SUFFOLK—As another winter storm approaches the region, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District has begun preparations in advance of the next round of winter weather this weekend. Motorists must limit nonessential travel beginning Friday afternoon, Jan. 28, especially during the evening rush hour, through the weekend, when travel will be hazardous.
This morning, VDOT crews mobilized for pretreatment activities on the district’s interstates, primary and high-volume secondary roads. This work is expected to be completed no later than Friday morning ahead of the storm, and crews have already gathered material and loaded equipment to address potential road impacts in the coming days. Additional equipment loaded with plows and spreaders stands ready to address varying road conditions that may present throughout the length of the storm. With the possibility of high winds combined with heavy, wet snow, crews are on standby to assist with downed trees, branches and debris that may fall across the roads.
Beginning Friday, crews will work in shifts as part of 24-hour operations to clear and treat the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed. VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary routes.
The 64 Express Lanes (reversible roadway) will be closed starting as early as 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, through 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 31. This closure allows for safer and more efficient snow removal operations during the winter weather.
VDOT will continue to monitor road surfaces as temperatures and conditions change throughout the weekend.
Motorists should continue to monitor changing weather and road conditions throughout the duration of the inclement weather.
If travel is necessary:
- Stay home. Avoid all nonessential travel.
- Do not pass or cut off snow plows.
- Give crews time and space to treat roads, with extra caution in work zones.
- If snow or ice is on the road, conditions are hazardous.
- Remove snow and ice from vehicles before traveling.
- Call 911 if you have an emergency.
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Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions. Do not travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
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For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.
Resources:
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800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) – Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
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WAZE – VDOT recently partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time during winter weather, when a road has not been plowed. It will also inform travelers when they are approaching a road that has been identified by other drivers as unplowed.
