VDOT: Current Road Conditions

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - VDOT: CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS

The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia has canceled the winter weather advisory for the Hampton Roads area. However, motorists are urged to continue to delay travel if possible. If it is necessary to travel, VDOT advises motorists to use extreme caution especially on bridges, overpasses and ramps where icy road conditions may be present.

Crews began treating area interstate and primary routes with abrasives at the onset of the storm and will continue to monitor and treat as necessary until area roads are clear.

Overall, the road conditions in Hampton Roads are noted as minor to severe. The following conditions exist on the Hampton Roads area (as of 8 a.m.):

• Interstates: Clear with some icy conditions on bridges, overpasses and ramps.
• I-264: Potholes are reported on I-264 from the downtown Norfolk area to the I-64 interchange. Crews are out this morning patching potholes in this area. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously.
• Primaries: Minor to moderate conditions reported.
• Eastern Shore: moderate conditions reported. Motorists encouraged to stay off roads until they are plowed and treated. Crews will be working throughout the day clearing roads.
• James City County/ York County: Minor conditions reported. Crews will be treating with salt and sand throughout the day.
• Secondaries: Minor to severe conditions reported.
• Eastern Shore: severe conditions reported. Motorists warned to stay off roads until they are plowed and treated. After crews have cleared primary routes, they will begin working to clear secondary roads and subdivisions.
• James City County/ York County: Minor to moderate conditions reported. Crews will be treating and plowing throughout the day.

• Severe – drifting or partially blocked road; do not drive.
• Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway; drive with extreme caution.
• Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush; drive with caution.

VDOT Winter Weather Driving Tips:

• Check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road
• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary

Priorities for Clearing Roads

VDOT’s goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after a storm ends. Crews first clear interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. They will then treat secondary roads and subdivision streets if multi-day storms hit Virginia, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.

Motorist Resources

VDOT has a variety of information sources for road condition updates. The 511 traveler-information service gives drivers the most up-to-date data available about weather, construction and accidents that may affect travel. Updates can be received by calling 511 from any landline or wireless phone or by going online to www.511virginia.org to view traffic cameras, the road condition map and the road condition table-report. Individuals can sign up for e-mail alerts that include weather and incident reporting on the 511 Web site.

For overall winter weather information, VDOT’s Web site includes frequently asked questions, driving tips and tools for motorists to learn more about VDOT’s winter preparedness at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp .

Drivers can also view videos detailing how VDOT prepares for winter weather and address snow and ice on You Tube. Snow videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/vdotweb#grid/user/84A0942814F2FECC.

For more information about Virginia’s efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov . The National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services and other state agencies have created the “Ready Virginia” resource to provide residents and visitors with a one-stop shop for emergency preparedness tips and information.

We'll continue to update this story with the latest road conditions as warranted by VDOT. So be sure to check back if you're planning on heading out today.

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