VDOT prepares for early Tuesday snow

The Virginia Department of Transportation is making preparations for snow forecast for Tuesday morning across the northern portion of the state.

Today VDOT crews are readying equipment and supplies and using brine to pre-treat Interstate 64 on Afton Mountain in Albemarle County, I-66 and Route 17 in Fauquier County, Route 522 in Rappahannock County and the Route 29 corridor from Madison to Fauquier.

VDOT staff in the affected areas will report for duty at midnight. When snowfall begins, crews will treat roads with sand to improve traction and salt to help melt the snow and ice and prevent it from sticking. Operators begin plowing once the snow accumulates and the salt takes effect. Crews will focus their snow and ice control efforts first on the interstates and primary highways, then will shift resources to the secondary road system as conditions allow.

Motorists are urged to check road conditions using 511 Virginia before leaving home and delay travel if necessary. Once on the road, the same real-time travel information can be accessed by phone or using the free VDOT 511 mobile app.