Letter to Hon. Ralph Norman, Governor of Virginia - Wittman Calls for Investigation into Incident on Interstate 95 (I-95)

Letter

The Honorable Ralph Northam
Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218

Dear Governor Northam:

I write to you today regarding the chaotic situation that transpired along the 50-mile stretch of Interstate 95 (I-95) Monday, January 3rd through late Tuesday, January 4th, 2022. As you are aware, because of the heavy snowfall, thousands of travelers were left stranded on I-95 for more than 24 hours, many without adequate food, water, blankets, or sanitation products, all while temperatures dropped below freezing. The unpreparedness and failure of execution which led to the chaos is unacceptable. I respectfully request that the Virginia Department of Transportation conduct a study of the incident with the purpose of how the state could have improved its response, management, and execution of the incident and share its findings with the public.

I have heard from many of my constituents in Virginia's First Congressional District, appalled and scared for the safety of those stranded on I-95 and many who were part of the stranded themselves. Many stranded travelers reported running out of food and water, while others reported to ration their supply of gas so that they may heat their vehicles at the coldest of times. This is unacceptable, as infants, children, and elderly were among those affected. Furthermore, the State did not shut down entry to I-95 on the 50-mile stretch until Tuesday morning, reported nine hours after the standstill commenced on I-95.

While I understand that the snow was accumulating at a much faster pace than originally thought, the Commonwealth should have planned for the worst-case scenario. It is reasonable to believe that snowfall of this magnitude would cause downed trees, tree debris, fallen utility lines, and many disabled vehicles. Moreover, the State officials should have closed I-95 much sooner than Tuesday morning and deployed more resources earlier to assist and communicate with stranded motorists. Virginians have a right to know what transpired that caused such an incident and what can be improved upon so that the Commonwealth is prepared for a similar situation in the future.

However, I thank the Virginia State Police, local first responders, and road crews at VDOT and VDEM for working around the clock removing snow and ice, towing disabled and abandoned vehicles, and removing debris so that we can safely reopen I-95.

As Virginia moves deeper into winter and snowfall and ice become increasingly prevalent, we must be prepared at a moment's notice. Again, I urge you to direct VDOT to study the incident mentioned in the above paragraphs so that the Commonwealth is better prepared for the next major winter weather event. Virginians deserve answers and the assurance that a situation like the one which occurred this week will never happen again.

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