VDOT ready for, sigh, more snow

Virginia Department of Transportation plows and crews will be on duty throughout tonight’s forecast snow event. The Staunton District will have approximately 500 pieces of equipment deployed throughout the district. Safety Service Patrol coverage will be expanded on Interstate 81 to include Shenandoah and Augusta counties for this storm.

Travel should be avoided during the storm if possible. If driving is necessary motorists are reminded to allow sufficient time for their travel and to give plows plenty of room on the roadway.

Motorists are advised to park off the street if possible to make room for plows.

VDOT’s goal is to have one pass on all roads within 48 hours after the storm ends. Intestate roads and primary roads are plowed first then high volume secondary roads followed by neighborhood roads and lower volume secondaries.

Motorists should keep in mind the following safety tips:

• Keep your car’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Leave a few minutes early.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency-response vehicles.
• Drive smart and pay close attention. Don’t text and drive – it’s a secondary offense in Virginia.

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 at 511Virginia.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 andYouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located atwww.VirginiaDOT.org.

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