FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation crews are staged in equipment mobilized across the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula with snow expected to begin shortly during this morning’s commute.

When snow begins, trucks will circulate to apply sand and salt to reduce icing and improve motorist traction. Plowing will begin once around two inches of snow has accumulated.

Roads are currently clear on Interstate 95 in the Fredericksburg area and across the district, but this is expected to change rapidly once snow starts to fall. Along I-95 in the Fredericksburg area, 190 trucks and more than a dozen monitors are available for this storm, with additional VDOT state forces and contractors dedicated to treating and plowing roads along state-maintained primary and secondary roads.

Motorists should avoid travel during snowfall. Even with pretreatment, roads could quickly become slick and hazardous for travel once snow begins. Real-time road conditions are available on 511Virginia. Before starting a trip, review road conditions along your entire route, as conditions may vary between regions.

Light snow is forecast to fall across Fredericksburg District Monday morning. During Monday afternoon and evening, and into early Tuesday, several additional inches of snow are possible in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and western areas of the Middle Peninsula.

Motorists should monitor weather and news sources for the latest forecast information.

Interstate 95 and primary roads (routes numbered 1-599) in Fredericksburg District were pre-treated with a brine solution on Sunday. Pre-treatment helps to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement during winter weather. Preventing this bond can reduce the risk of hazardous travel conditions and helps with snow and ice removal.

More information on how VDOT prepares for winter weather is available at VDOT’s winter driving page.

VDOT’s Snow Removal Priorities

VDOT is responsible for snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while all cities and some towns maintain their roads. VDOT may support cities and towns, if requested.

Snow removal priorities are as follows:

  • The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s first priority
  • Primary roads and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow
  • Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available

511Virginia

Real-time road conditions are available on 511Virginia. Before starting a trip, review road conditions along your entire route, as conditions may vary between regions.

Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected or visit 511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

Customer Service Center

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).