VDOT: The snow has stopped, but road crews hard at work

The snow has stopped in the Shenandoah Valley but Virginia Department of Transportation crews are still at it, clearing and treating roads throughout the region. Travel is still not advised in the area since a layer of ice is still on many roadways.

Crews have been working on the roadways since the predawn hours today and will continue to work throughout the night and throughout the day on Tuesday and into Wednesday.  VDOT’s goal is to have at least one pass on roads within 48 hours after the storm ends.

This storm started out as rain, which prevented pre-treating operations.  The rain transitioned to freezing rain and sleet overnight, then to a heavy wet snow and then to a powder-type of snow.  Since roads were not pre-treated and surface temperatures have remained well below freezing all day, ice and snow have bonded to most road surfaces. This makes for a more challenging situation for the plows to achieve bare pavement. Also the powder top layer of snow, makes it easier for snow to blow back onto plowed road surfaces. With temperatures near zero forecasted tonight, motorist should anticipate treacherous driving conditions in the morning.

As nightfall approaches here are the road conditions as of 4 p.m.

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

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.