VDOT crews work around the clock using heavy equipment to clear secondary roads across Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, Virginia – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are working around the clock to plow through packed layers of snow and ice on low-volume secondary roads throughout the Fredericksburg area. Officials say removal efforts will continue 24 hours a day for several more days, as conditions remain difficult and widespread.

With trucks fitted with plows struggling to remove the thick crust of ice that formed atop snow, VDOT is relying on heavy-duty equipment like loaders, motor graders, and dump trucks to provide the additional force necessary to push snow and ice out of traffic lanes. This step is especially crucial in residential neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs, where road conditions have proven more stubborn and less accessible.

Salt and other deicing materials have been less effective during nighttime and early morning hours due to ongoing below-freezing temperatures. However, VDOT crews are targeting daytime hours—when sunshine and temperatures in the upper 20s help activate the salt—with renewed effort to scrape off more layers of snow and ice.

Initial clearing work aims to create a single 8- to 10-foot-wide travel lane, which can be cautiously used by emergency vehicles and essential traffic. Even with those initial passes, many neighborhood roads remain snow-packed. VDOT warns that bare pavement should not be expected across the entire road surface, and cul-de-sacs or less traveled roads might not be reached immediately.

Hazardous Conditions Expected During Early Commute

Icy conditions are expected overnight and into the Wednesday, January 28 morning commute, due to refreezing of melted snow and slush. Even where plowing has been completed, slick spots may still develop, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and highway ramps.

To improve traction and minimize icy patches, VDOT crews are applying a mix of sand and salt to Interstate 95, major primary roads, and high-traffic secondary roads. Still, drivers are strongly urged to reduce speed, increase distance between vehicles, and proceed with caution.

To support safe commuting, parking for ridesharing will be available in Spotsylvania County at the Route 1 and Commonwealth Drive Park and Ride lot, and in Stafford County at the Route 17 Park and Ride lot. Equipment previously stored in these lots for snow removal has been moved to provide commuters more space.

Fredericksburg and Surrounding Regions See Gradual Improvements

VDOT reports that Interstate 95 is now clear, with open travel lanes and visible pavement. Primary and high-volume secondary roads are classified as being in minor condition, with some isolated patches of snow and ice still present. Low-volume secondary roads, however, present mixed challenges:

• Moderate condition where an initial pass has been made, meaning snow or ice covers significant stretches

• Severe condition on roads not yet touched, with full snow coverage still in place

In the Middle Peninsula, primary roads in Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex counties are clear. Secondary roads range from minor condition in Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex to moderate condition in Essex, King and Queen, and King William.

In the Northern Neck, primary roads are also clear across King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. Secondary roads show varied results:

• Minor condition in Lancaster County

• Moderate condition in the other counties, with snow partially covering the roads

As plow crews continue to battle ice with heavy equipment and deicing agents, residents are urged to remain cautious, give workers space, and avoid unnecessary travel when possible. VDOT assures the public that operations will continue without pause until all roads are made passable.