VDOT Prepares Roads Ahead of Friday Morning Snow

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Ahead of the weather system that will bring up to a half-inch of snow to Prince William County, The Virginia Department of Transportation was on the roads early preparing for the morning commute.

With overnight temperatures projected at only 29 degrees, VDOT is pre-treating roads across the region; about 350 trucks will be on hand to treat roads beginning at midnight.

"On interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—crews use liquid magnesium chloride," DOT spokesperson Joan Morris said. "Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine."

Residents in Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow and Nokesville report seeing VDOT trucks out as early as 7:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service forecasts snow, mainly after 3:00 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 29 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

Snow could also appear Saturday night through Sunday, NWS said.

When driving in winter weather, VDOT cautions residents to:

  • Check current weather, road conditions and traffic before traveling at www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511
  • 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

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