FREDERICKSBURG – Overnight refreezing of melted snow on area roads has created icy patches, and drivers should use extreme caution if traveling this morning.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are applying a mix of sand and salt to improve motorist traction on roads across the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula as needed.

Drivers should reduce speed and add following distance between vehicles. Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing. Use additional caution on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, which tend to freeze first. Before starting a trip, remove all snow and ice from your vehicle. Check road conditions for your entire route on 511Virginia.

Northern Neck

  • Primary roads are in minor condition in King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties, but isolated icy patches are possible, as well as snow drifting across travel lanes
  • Secondary roads in Lancaster, Northumberland and Richmond counties are in minor condition, with isolated patches of snow, ice and slush
  • Secondary roads in King George and Westmoreland are in moderate condition, with travel lanes partially covered by snow, which has now frozen over

Middle Peninsula

  • Primary roads are clear in Gloucester, King and Queen, King William and Mathews counties. Primary roads are in minor condition in Essex and Middlesex counties, with isolated patches of snow, ice and slush
  • Secondary roads are clear in Mathews County
  • Secondary roads are in minor condition in Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, and Middlesex counties, with isolated patches of snow and ice
  • Secondary roads in Essex County are in moderate condition, with travel lanes partially covered by snow, which has now frozen over

Plowing, Road Treatment Continues Wednesday

VDOT crews continue working in 24-hour emergency response. Plowing operations continue today, focusing on reaching more low-volume secondary and subdivision streets.

Some subdivisions have received an initial visit from a snowplow on a main route to provide access for emergency responders. Crews will return to make all state-maintained streets and cul-de-sacs passable in subdivisions. VDOT cannot provide a specific time when a plow will arrive on individual streets.

A road in “passable” condition is defined as:

  • An 8- to 10-foot-wide path that provides access for emergency vehicles
  • Driveable with extreme caution, but is snow-packed, and it is not bare pavement or plowed curb-to-curb
  • Crews will sand hills, curves, and intersections to help with traction

Winter Weather Resources