January 22, 2007

VDOT hits the streets trying to make sure that snow and ice that melted during the day, do not refreeze making for slick conditions.

The first wintry weather of the season brought a mix of snow and sleet to our area making for one messy commute. Area road crews hit the streets late yesterday morning trying to prevent slick conditions from appearing.

"If it gets ahead of you, it is hard to play catch up but the crews were able to get materials down and that kept it from bonding to the road real well and obviously today's warmer temperatures helped out too," said Assistant VDOT Residency Administrator Darin Simpson.

But the warmer weather of today could also play havoc tonight. Puddles and standing ice present a new problem for area road crews, the possibility of refreeze.

"The ice and snow mix and the dropping temperatures can be some times tough to treat and clear the roadway," said Simpson.

To combat refreezing roadways, VDOT is hitting the streets again tonight with 10 to 15 trucks, dropping salt and sand and hitting those pesky areas that tend to become slick. And as always during inclement weather, they say, drivers need to help themselves.

"Just be cautious. Even though the roads are clear, there is the potential for refreezing," Simpson said.

On top of the icy conditions, fog is a problem. In fact, Interstate 64 up near Afton Mountain is so foggy, visibility is down to about 200 feet. As far as the roads, all of the primaries are clear but VDOT still says to make sure you leave enough extra time for the morning commute.