Pre-treatment of Interstate 95 and ramps is underway this afternoon

FREDERICKSBURG – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a mobile operation underway this afternoon to pre-treat Interstate 95 and interstate ramps in the Fredericksburg area with a salt brine anti-icing solution.

A wintry mix is forecast to affect the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula after 10 p.m. tonight. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain may fall throughout the day on Wednesday.

Road conditions can change quickly, and may be icy or hazardous. Before starting a trip tonight or tomorrow, motorists are urged to check 511Virginia for the latest road conditions in their area.

Call 511, visit www.511Virginia.org, or use VDOT’s 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.

Roads in the Fredericksburg area are expected to remain dry prior to the onset of snow, allowing VDOT to pre-treat major travel routes this afternoon. Anti-icing prevents ice from bonding to the pavement during inclement weather, which reduces the risk of hazardous travel conditions.

Trucks pre-treating the interstate travel together at approximately 35 mph. One truck travels in each of I-95’s three general purpose lanes, forming a straight line across the interstate. The trucks are followed by a law enforcement vehicle, which absorbs much of the excess salt emitted by the application process. Slower travel speeds are required to spray the salt brine onto the interstate with precision, and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.

VDOT crews will work overnight in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula to patrol roads for icy conditions. Salt will be applied to melt snow and ice, and sand will be applied to provide traction for vehicle tires.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Winter Weather Travel Tips:

• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood and trunk and especially from the windows, mirrors and lights.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Leave a few minutes early.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Use extra caution on roads carrying less traffic, such as subdivision streets.
• Stay alert for slick spots on bridges, ramps and overpasses, which are more likely to freeze first due to lower pavement
temperatures.
• VDOT crews will focus first on treating and clearing roads carrying the most traffic, such as interstates, primary roads, and key
secondary roads.