Primary roads, interstate conditions improving in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Primary roads and interstates in the Shenandoah Valley are slowing improving, though the Virginia Department of Transportation warns “plenty of work remains to be done.”

Most neighborhood streets and other secondary roads have not been touched though VDOT plans to start on some secondary roads later today. The City of Waynesboro updated residents that it will also try to reach neighborhoods this afternoon.

Virginia State Police report it has responded to 475 crashes statewide, 36 which had injuries. There have been two fatal crashes: one in Fairfax County on Saturday evening and one in Pittsylvania County on Sunday.

The region received six to 10 inches of snow and sleet. In Staunton, the city reported seven inches of snow and sleet.

Frigid temperatures are expected through early next week likely leading to refreezing and icy conditions, even on roads that have been plowed and treated. VDOT is warning residents that a hard refreeze will take place most nights this week in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Temperatures are expected to plummet into the single digits with wind chills some nights below zero.

There is the potential for more snow this weekend, according to AccuWeather.

VDOT: Current road conditions

VDOT is asking the public for help in avoiding non-essential travel. Vehicles pack down snow and sleet making it more difficult for snowplows to reach bare pavement.

• Interstate 81 – Minor conditions in Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren and Frederick counties. Clear conditions in Rockbridge County.
• Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Alleghany County. Minor conditions in Augusta County. Clear conditions in Rockbridge County.
• Interstate 66 – Minor conditions in Warren County.
• Primary roads – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties. Minor conditions in Bath, Rockbridge and Highland counties.
• Secondary roads – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties.

VSP: Breakdown of crashes by division

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• Division 1 (Central Virginia and Richmond) – 100 crashes, three with injuries
• Division 2 (Northwest Virginia, Winchester and Harrisonburg) – 39 crashes, four with injuries
• Division 3 (Central Virginia, Western Virginia and Appomattox) – 48 crashes, six with injuries
• Division 4 (Southwest Virginia) – 64 crashes, five with injuries
• Division 5 (Hampton Roads) – 113 crashes, nine with injuries
• Division 6 (Western Virginia and Roanoke) – 55 crashes, five with injuries, one fatal crash
• Division 7 (Northern Virginia) – 56 crashes, four with injuries, one fatal crash (not storm related, occurred in Fairfax County Saturday evening)