December 21, 2009

VDOT, facing criticism from frustrated drivers, is defending how it is attacking the worst December snowstorm in local history. VDOT insists all available equipment is in use.

While traffic on Interstate 64 is moving smoothly, Route 53 in Fluvanna County remains closed and Route 250 west of Charlottesville is treacherous. Side roads are dangerous with ice and snow build-up on the pavement and motorists not in four-wheel-drive vehicles are in for a very difficult drive. Conditions are likely to improve during the day as the temperature rises but the area is looking at another night of black ice on the roads when the thermometer starts to fall.

VDOT said in a statement that all of its plows are in use and the plow operators will start to focus on secondary roads.

Here's the bulk of a new statement, released at 12:15 p.m.

"The condition of most major roads across Central Virginia is improving but there are still a few sections of major primary highways that are covered with hard-packed snow and are extremely hazardous. Those sections include Route 29 both north and south of Charlottesville, Route 20 and Route 250 in Albemarle and Route 33 in Louisa.

Route 53 south of Charlottesville remains closed because icing conditions made the road too dangerous for travel on Sunday evening. The road is closed from Route 20 to the Fluvanna County line. VDOT crews are working to clear the road and the Albemarle County Police Department is towing approximately 40-50 vehicles that were abandoned along the road during the storm. Route 53 will likely be closed until Monday evening.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is advising residents to stay off the roads unless their travel is essential. Those who must drive should continue to use extreme caution when traveling this afternoon.

In Albemarle County, VDOT is deploying additional resources from other areas of Culpeper District as well as other VDOT districts to assist in plowing the secondary roads. It is expected that plowing the secondary system will take at least another day due to the heavy snowfall."

As of 3:14 pm, Monday, VDOT says they have begun plowing on most secondary roads in the Charlottesville area. They say that in many locations motor graders and front end loaders are being used to clear the roads because the snow is too heavy for plows to move. They expect all secondary roads should be clear by late Tuesday.

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