FREDERICKSBURG — Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are preparing for another weekend of winter weather that could create hazardous driving conditions in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula.
Possible snow accumulation totals of 2-4 inches are forecast for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, with the heaviest snowfall expected in eastern areas near the Chesapeake Bay. Snow accumulation totals of 1-2 inches are forecast for the Fredericksburg area along the Interstate 95 corridor. Snow is expected to begin falling Friday evening and continue through Saturday morning.
Travelers should monitor local weather sources and schedule trips to avoid driving during the storm. Check 511Virginia for road conditions along your entire planned route before starting a trip. Road conditions may vary between regions of Virginia.
Road treatment materials are being restocked and staff are staging equipment for quick deployment when snow begins.
VDOT crews continue 24-hour emergency response to improve road conditions following a winter storm on Sunday and Monday. Interstate 95 and primary roads are clear across the 14-county Fredericksburg District.
Today, crews steadily worked toward making all low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets passable in the Fredericksburg area, where road conditions vary from minor (isolated patches of snow) to severe (covered by snow). Freezing temperatures have reduced the effectiveness of materials to melt snow and ice, which has limited the ability of crews to plow away packed-down snow from the pavement. VDOT crews will ensure that all secondary routes have been treated and plowed and are passable, but it does not mean bare pavement will be visible and all patches of snow will be gone. Crews will add sand to provide traction on packed-down snow.
As overnight temperatures will remain below freezing over the next several days, VDOT crews will patrol state-maintained roads to treat for potential refreeze of wet pavement as snow and ice melt during the day. Slick spots are most likely to occur first on elevated surfaces, such as bridges, ramps, and overpasses.
In the Northern Neck and the Route 3 corridor in Stafford County, motorists are advised to stay alert for drifting snow this evening and Friday morning due to high winds. This can create hazardous driving conditions as snow and ice can cover the roads. Crews are patrolling the roads and clearing snow from areas where drifting is occurring.
Winter Weather Resources
