VDOT: Hard freeze creates icy commute for Tuesday

Single-digit temperatures on the heels of the latest winter storm mean drivers will face icy roads on Tuesday morning, especially on secondary routes. Salt-based treatments are largely ineffective when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. VDOT  urges extreme caution for citizens who must drive before conditions improve.

VDOT crews have been working around the clock to plow and treat roads in the Shenandoah Valley, and will continue their efforts on Tuesday. VDOT’s goal is to have plows make at least one pass on all state-maintained roads within 48 hours after the storm ends.

Here are the road conditions as of 4 a.m.

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

For winter weather road conditions go to www.511Virginia.org, look at the orange bar on the top of the page and click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull down box that lists all jurisdictions.  In this box individual counties can be chosen to view.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at511Virginia.org. For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR- ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSSfeeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.