VDOT crews are pre-treating roads prior to Friday morning snow

With up to an inch of snow forecast for Friday morning and pavement temperatures at only 25 degrees, the Virginia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to check road conditions ahead of their commute, and to limit travel or use caution, according to a news release.

Today, crews are pre-treating roads in Prince William. Loudoun and Fairfax counties. 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 US 1—crews use liquid magnesium chloride. 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.

Beginning at midnight, about 350 trucks will be on hand to treat roads in northern Virginia, the release stated.

VDOT reminds motorists to use caution when driving during wintry weather. Drivers should:
·      Check current weather, road conditions and traffic before traveling at http://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