by Alejandro Alvarez at WTOP News
If you don’t want to end up in a nightmare situation, avoid Interstate 95 in Virginia.
A horrendous traffic jam that began during Monday morning’s record-breaking winter storm grew steadily worse with plummeting overnight temperatures causing melting snow to refreeze. The WTOP Traffic Center tracked at least four trouble spots on I-95 alone from spinouts in icy conditions, each involving multiple spinouts including tractor-trailers.
In a phone call with reporters late Tuesday morning, Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT), Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the State Police gave a situational update.
Officials said they have closed northbound and southbound Interstate 95 from exit 152 (Dumfries Road) to exit 104 (Carmel Church) as crews continue work to remove stopped trucks, treat for icing and plow snow. Motorists should avoid the area, or use local routes to reach their destinations.
The shut down of I-95 began at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Marcie Parker, district engineer with VDOT. Parker said the state anticipates those areas being open and clear for Wednesday morning’s rush-hour.
Hundreds of vehicles have been at a standstill, some for almost 24 hours, shutting off their engines in frigid weather to conserve dwindling fuel, many with little to no food or water…
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