VDOT CONTINUES SNOW OPERATIONS
VDOT shifting crews to secondary roads; motorists should continue to use caution

CULPEPER – Primary highways across Central Virginia have been cleared of most snow although all have patches of snow and slush remaining, particularly in turn lanes, crossovers and intersections.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is shifting its snow-removal operations to the district’s secondary roads. Crews will continue to work through the night to clear those roads and also return to the primaries to address any icing and clear remaining snow from the roadways.

VDOT and contract crews have been on duty since early this morning and are treating roads with abrasives and chemicals and plowing. The snow, which began about 8 a.m. in the Charlottesville area and spread north through Culpeper to Fauquier County, began sticking almost immediately on cold road surfaces. The district’s western counties, against the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge, are seeing the heaviest accumulations. By mid-afternoon Thursday 3.5 to 4 inches of snow is reported. The snow seems to be tapering off as it changes to sleet.

VDOT and contract snow-removal equipment will continue working through the night Thursday and Friday morning until roads are clear.

The National Weather Service is warning that temperatures will remain at or below freezing overnight so hazardous driving conditions are likely Thursday night and Friday morning. Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel, especially overnight, as road conditions will likely deteriorate as the temperature falls after dark. If you must be on the roads during the storm, observe the following winter driving tips:

                ·         Make sure your vehicle is winter ready and keep an emergency kit in your car.

·         Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Wear your seatbelt.

·         Slow down. Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.

·         Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.

·         Be aware of potentially icy areas such as low areas near water, bridges and overpasses.

·         When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.

·         Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.

·         Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest weather and road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.

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