Fredericksburg Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Traffic Updates

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Well, that escalated quickly. What went from a slight chance of a few snowflakes on Saturday morning has turned into a forecast of up to four inches for our area beginning tonight. Here's what you need to know about snow removal and what it could mean for traffic in our area.

How can I keep track of snow removal?

The Virginia Department of Transportation has a live snow plow mapwhere you can track plows in your area.
You can also search road condition reports in your area at 511Virginia.org. You can see live cameras on interstates and major roadways and intersections, too.
What Motorists Should Know:
• While snow is falling, VDOT crews will make repeated passes on Interstate 95, primary roads, and key secondary roads to keep travel lanes clear.
• VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours of a storm's end.
• Motorists are encouraged to delay any nonessential travel.
• VDOT's Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

What about walkways and sidewalks?

Per the city: "Residents and business owners are required to clear snow/ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. Anyone with brick sidewalks adjacent to their property should avoid using salt (Sodium Chloride) on snow/ice. Salt will damage brick sidewalks and also cause staining of the red bricks. Please use sand or Magnesium Chloride.

"When clearing sidewalks and driveways, please do not throw snow into public streets or alleys. Snow should be thrown into yards or piled around the base of trees where possible. Depositing snow on roadways is a safety hazard and is not permitted. When shoveling driveways, piling snow to the right of your driveway when facing the street will help prevent snow plows from re-depositing the snow across the entrance to your driveway as it passes by.

"In periods of snowy/icy weather, please be aware our crews may not be able to collect trash/recycling from an area other than the curb, particularly if the pathways to the trash location are not clear of snow/ice. The purpose of this policy is to prevent injury to City crews and protect property owners from potential liability associated with an employee falling or otherwise being injured on private property."

What tips should I observe while shoveling?

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter.
• Push the snow rather than lifting it.
• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.

How will this affect traffic?

Since the snow is falling on Saturday, we'll be spared a messy commute. However, it can still cause problems, so you should monitor the National Weather Service's social media feeds for any updates.

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