Fredericksburg Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Shoveling, And More

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Snow came to the Fredericksburg area on Thursday. During winter weather events, there are many resources available to Fredericksburg residents as they monitor road conditions and clear their sidewalks.

How can I keep track of snow removal?
The Virginia Department of Transportation has a live snow plow map where 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.
• Residential streets are last to be plowed, according to VDOT's snow fact sheet.
• VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 24 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?
Fredericksburg residents and business owners must remove the snow and ice that accumulates along walkways, according to the city's website. The city warns residents against using salt on brick sidewalks, as the salt will damage and discolor the brick. People should use sand or magnesium chloride on brick walkways.

"When clearing sidewalks and driveways, please do not throw snow into public streets or alleys," Fredericksburg's website states. "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."

Fredericksburg's website recommends residents pile snow to their right of their driveway when facing the street, to prevent crews from plowing snow into freshly cleared driveways. The city also warns that trash and recycling may not be collected if walkways are hazardous.

What tips should I observe while shoveling?

• 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.