VDOT: Work continues on roads overnight in Central Virginia

Virginia Department of Transportation crews anticipate completing at least one pass through all secondary roads in the Culpeper District sometime Monday evening. Although roads may be passable residents should consider whether their vehicle is capable of traveling on the packed snow and ice surface remaining on many roads.

VDOT and contractor crews will continue working to widen the initial passes made on secondary roads and open shoulders, ramps and intersections on all systems. That work is anticipated to continue around the clock for the next several days.

Temperatures will fall below freezing again overnight and icy conditions are likely even on roads that have been cleared of snow. Along with slick conditions motorists are likely to see heavier traffic volumes Tuesdaymorning. In many areas pedestrians walking in the travel lanes present an additional hazard. Until sidewalks and shoulders are cleaned motorists should be alert for those pedestrians.

Decreased sight distances due to high snow piles at intersections and private entrances also present a safety hazard. Once VDOT completes plowing, crews will begin removing snow from those locations to improve the sight distances.

Ice and hard-packed snow will remain on many secondary roads, including unpaved rural routes, for some time. Drivers should use extreme caution on those roads.

What residents should know

• Plows will provide a path through neighborhoods that is drivable with caution for an average passenger vehicle. The path will not be curb-to-curb or bare pavement, and may remain uneven and rutted, especially with refreezing overnight.
• Chemicals are not typically used in subdivisions, but crews will sand hills, curves and intersections as needed to provide traction.
• In many neighborhoods, front-end loaders and motor graders will be required to move snow where there is not enough room to push the snow off the streets.
• Crews are asked to be mindful of pushing large piles onto driveways, but in an extreme storm that can be an unintended consequence of making roads passable. VDOT cannot return to clear snow from private driveways.

Stay abreast of road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org. Additional information about VDOT’s winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.