Road conditions improve following Friday morning snow

STAUNTON (11:30 a.m.) — Snow has tapered off in most areas of the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands, while plows and salt spreaders continue working to make all state-maintained roads safe for travel. Snowfall totals range from a trace to about three inches, with the highest accumulation in the southern part of the region.

Conditions are steadily improving as of mid-day Friday, but the Virginia Department of Transportation still advises caution. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing Friday night into early Saturday morning, so wet roadways could refreeze. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses are especially prone to refreezing.

VDOT employees and contractors are plowing and treating roadways as needed in the 11-county Staunton District. As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, interstate highways range from clear to minor condition (patches of snow or slush). Most primary roads are in minor condition, while secondary roads are in minor to moderate condition.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app. Motorists are reminded to check their entire route a conditions will vary throughout Virginia. 511 Virginia shows road conditions on a color-coded map and in county-by-county text listings. Conditions are defined as:

• Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.
• Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the road.
• Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
• Closed – road is closed to all traffic.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

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

The VDOT website has winter weather travel tips, news releases, and links to social media accounts for VDOT districts throughout the Commonwealth.