Some drivers have been stuck on I-95 for as long as 10 hours overnight, reports say.
A winter storm blew through the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas on Monday, causing icy and dangerous road conditions for the morning commute Tuesday.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) urges caution to drivers who hit the road, as traffic and slippery roads are expected. In addition, traffic on southbound I-95 remains at a standstill this morning, with both sides remaining closed in the Fredericksburg area from exit 152 to exit 104. Tow trucks and plows are at the scene, working to get traffic moving again.
I-95 remains closed in the Fredericksburg area. Snow plows & tow trucks are on the scene. Motorists should plan to avoid travel on I-95 in this area until lanes reopen and significant congestion clears the area. pic.twitter.com/atCkun7zId
— VDOT (@VaDOT) January 4, 2022
According to reports, some drivers were stuck on the highway for as long as 10 hours overnight.
One driver, who remains stuck on the highway, told a local news outlet, "I'm fine, I'm tired. I didn't expect to be awake at this hour, and I didn't expect to be outside in the snow in gridlock traffic ... All things considered, things could be worse."
"We know many travelers have been stuck on Interstate 95 in our region for extraordinary periods of time over the past 24 hours, in some cases since Monday morning," said Marcie Parker, P.E. VDOT Fredericksburg District Engineer. "This is unprecedented, and we continue to steadily move stopped trucks to make progress toward restoring lanes. In addition to clearing the trucks, we are treating for snow and several inches of ice that has accumulated around them to ensure that when the lanes reopen, motorists can safely proceed to their destination."
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's office issued a statement in regards to the situation:
"State and local emergency personnel — with particular support from Spotsyvania, Stafford, Prince William County, Fredericksburg counties — are continuing to clear downed trees along I-95, assist disabled vehicles, and re-route drivers. VSP has responded to 1,016 traffic crashes and assisted 1,026 motorists since early Monday morning. An emergency message is going to all stranded drivers connecting them to support, and the state is working with localities to open a warming shelter for passengers, as needed. While sunlight is expected to help VDOT treat and clear roads, all Virginians must continue to avoid the interstate and follow directions of emergency personnel."
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