Peninsula: Working to keep roads clear

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The Peninsula received some of the heavier snow Saturday, so VDOT crews were out in force salting and sanding the roadways.

"The conditions started to get a lot better in the mid-morning hours," said Lauren Hansen of VDOT early Saturday afternoon, "but now it's starting to deteriorate with the cold weather, the rain, freezing rain, and the snow.

Along Peninsula interstates, the surfaces seemed clear in the afternoon, but conditions worsened into Saturday night.

"Motorists really need to pay attention to slick conditions, especially on bridges, ramps and overpasses," said Hansen. "Conditions will deteriorate overnight as the temperature point drops below freezing and into the twenties."

For a time Saturday, it was nearly white-out conditions in Gloucester.

As the snow continued, roads in Gloucester started getting covered. "We've probably had six or eight calls," said one member of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire Crew.

"With these kinds of conditions, it's better to be safe than sorry," said Hansen. "Delay your travels, postpone your plans, and stay home tonight if you can."

Of course, if you're thinking of leaving Hampton Roads, Hansen says don't.

"Even as close as right after Williamsburg, the conditions really, severely, deteriorate on the roads," she said. "They're experiencing heavier snow.

"We're strongly encouraging motorists to stay home. If you have to travel on the roadways, drive safely, don't try to pass our plows and our sand and salt spreaders. They are clearing a path for you."

Hansen told 10 On Your Side that VDOT put its plows to use in areas where there is more than two inches of snow on the ground.