VDOT Prepares for Icing; Warns of Hazardous Ramps, Bridges

The Virginia Department of Transportation has crews working 4,000 pieces of equipment across Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington counties. Crews will focus on plowing and treating until the storm begins to taper, expected around 8 p.m., and then turn to treating icy spots overnight as temperatures drop to extreme lows, according to the state agency.

VDOT’s info for drivers tonight:

• The height of the storm is expected during rush hour, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should monitor road conditions closely and avoid driving if possible.
• Chemicals used to treat roads become ineffective under 20 degrees. Tonight, crews will continue to plow roads, as well as treat ice with a mixture of salt and liquid magnesium chloride on interstates, and a treated sand mix on primary and local roads.
• Bridge pavement temperatures are expected to be as low as four degrees tomorrow morning. Drivers should use extreme caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and other areas prone to freezing.
• High winds will cause snow to drift back into roadways and refreeze.
• Crews will continue plow subdivisions overnight and treat icy spots.

• Get details on northern Virginia’s snow removal program.
• Follow @vadotnova on Twitter for northern Virginia news, and @511northernva for real-time traffic updates.
• Use the 511 app or visit www.511virginia.org.
• Report road problems to 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov.