VDOT Crews Continue Efforts to Clear Roads Amid Persistent Freezing Temperatures

Crews focus on secondary roads and neighborhoods, but warn of icy conditions persisting on many routes

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

VDOT crews are working around the clock to clear roads in the Charlottesville, Virginia area as below-freezing temperatures continue. While main roads are mostly bare, icy spots persist, especially on bridges, mountain passes, and in shaded areas. VDOT is urging residents not to travel unless necessary and to avoid shoveling snow back into the roadway, which can create hazards for other drivers.

Why it matters

The ongoing winter weather and icy road conditions pose significant challenges for VDOT's road clearing efforts, with crews needing to make multiple passes to break up and remove layers of ice, particularly on secondary and residential streets. This highlights the importance of public cooperation and patience as VDOT works to restore safe driving conditions across the region.

The details

VDOT crews are using abrasives like sand to improve traction on icy roads, but they note that these do not actually melt the ice. Instead, the repeated passes with heavy equipment help break up and peel back the layers of ice over time. The initial focus is on opening the roads and improving traction, before crews can work to clear the ice more fully, especially on secondary roads and in residential areas.

  • VDOT crews have been working around-the-clock since the winter weather began.
  • Below-freezing temperatures have persisted in the Charlottesville area.

The players

VDOT

The Virginia Department of Transportation, responsible for maintaining and clearing the state's roads.

Sharon Ketcham

A spokesperson for VDOT's Culpeper district, providing updates on the road clearing efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Crews continue their work on secondary roads and neighborhood streets, but with the temperatures being where they are motorist should not expect bare pavement on many of these roads.”

— Sharon Ketcham, VDOT Culpeper Spokesperson

“In areas where snow has compacted into ice, VDOT crews are using abrasives, such as sand, to improve traction for motorists.”

— Sharon Ketcham, VDOT Culpeper Spokesperson

“Abrasives do not melt ice; instead, they provide grip on the roadway while freezing temperatures remain.”

— Sharon Ketcham, VDOT Culpeper Spokesperson

“If we've come through and plowed and you've shoveled it out onto the roadway, that's going to create an issue for other cars coming along with other people trying to get out and about today. So, please, please, please shovel to the right, shovel it so it doesn't go into the roadway.”

— Sharon Ketcham, VDOT Culpeper Spokesperson

What’s next

VDOT crews will continue their around-the-clock efforts to clear roads and improve traction, with a focus on secondary and residential streets. Motorists are urged to check road conditions and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

The takeaway

The persistent freezing temperatures and icy road conditions in the Charlottesville area are posing significant challenges for VDOT's road clearing operations. This highlights the importance of public cooperation, patience, and caution as the agency works to restore safe driving conditions across the region.