The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is taking extensive measures to respond to the winter storm currently affecting the commonwealth. With forecasts predicting heavy snow and ice across multiple regions, VDOT has issued urgent pleas for motorists to refrain from using the state's roadways throughout Monday, January 6, 2025. This request aims to allow snowplows and road-clearing crews the necessary space and time to navigate safely as they remove snow and treat icy conditions.
The storm began affecting Virginia overnight, with substantial snowfall reported alongside rain, sleet, and freezing rain creating hazardous driving conditions. Most state-maintained roadways, particularly across western and northern Virginia, are currently classified as being in moderate condition, meaning they are covered with snow or ice on major portions of the road. VDOT has emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety and has mobilized its crews to address road conditions around the clock.
According to reports, VDOT is responsible for maintaining nearly 60,000 miles of state roads and has approximately 750 pieces of equipment deployed throughout the regions impacted by the storm. "Drivers should stay off the roadways overnight and during the day Monday to give snowplows space to safely maneuver and push snow," officials stated. The crews are focused on clearing priority routes first, including interstate highways and primary roads, before moving on to lower-volume secondary roads once conditions improve.
Effective snow removal operations are inherently time-consuming, especially when snowfall accumulations reach rates of up to one inch per hour, as anticipated during this storm. Due to these conditions, VDOT's snowplows will need to make multiple passes to sufficiently clear roads. During such adverse weather, residents are urged to remain patient, as it may take days before all streets, particularly residential ones, are adequately treated and made safe for travel.
VDOT officials are also mindful of the increasing number of traffic incidents reported as weather conditions worsened. Virginia State Police have been on high alert, responding to numerous crashes since the storm's onset. On the evening preceding the storm, they reported handling about 85 accidents across the state, due to deteriorated travel conditions. The increased accident rates serve as a stern reminder for drivers to exercise caution, ensuring their vehicles are well-prepared for winter driving.
Alex Liggitt from VDOT stated, "We should have around 3000 pieces of equipment out there ready to go, ready to attack the snow as it begins to really pile up overnight." Every aspect of VDOT's operational strategy, from treatment of roads to monitoring traffic, is focused on safety. The message is simple: the fewer cars on the road during the storm, the more effective snowplow crews can be. "This isn't going to be, ‘Okay, we're out there tonight, tomorrow morning and we're done. We’re going home,’" Liggitt added, indicating the prolonged efforts required to keep Virginia's many roads clear and safe for travel.
Travelers who must be on the roads during the storm are advised to take extreme caution. A free 511 mobile app offered by VDOT provides real-time updates on road conditions, traffic incidents, and even access to traffic cameras. Motorists can also check conditions through the VDOT website or by calling 511 directly for the latest updates. VDOT encourages the public to familiarize themselves with defined road condition statuses to make informed travel decisions.
Despite VDOT's comprehensive preparation efforts, residents should be prepared for icy conditions, particularly on overpasses and bridges, and should expect some areas could remain hazardous for days. The prevailing message is to stay updated through VDOT's 511 resources and to exercise caution when venturing out, as icy patches could pose serious risks. This storm not only affects road travel but also demands community cooperation, patience, and adherence to safety protocols as VDOT works diligently to restore safe driving conditions for all Virginians.
For more information about road conditions or to report hazardous areas, drivers are encouraged to reach out to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting VDOT’s website or calling the service line at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). With the right cooperation and information, the situation on Virginia roads can improve steadily as the storm passes and crews continue their efforts for public safety.