VDOT road crews continue to plow and treat roads – Delay travel if possible

STAUNTON — As the weekend winter storm exits the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands from south to north, road conditions vary. Most roads are in minor to moderate condition. Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District crews and contractors will monitor, plow and treat roads throughout Sunday and Monday as needed.

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

After the snow event exits the area, an extended period of extreme cold will cause wet or slushy surfaces to freeze. Travelers should remember that salt is less effective on roads once temperatures dip below 20 degrees. Roads that have been plowed and/or treated may remain icy. Monday morning travel should be delayed if possible. Be aware that weather and road conditions may vary around the Commonwealth of Virginia.

On unpaved roads, sand and gravel are spread to improve traction, especially on packed snow or ice. Packed snow and ice may remain on the road during extreme low temperatures.

Bridges and overpasses will freeze first. The public should also be alert for falling tree limbs and tree debris on roadways from heavy wet snow or ice.

Road-clearing priorities are as follows: 

• The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are our first priority.
• Primary roads and major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow.
• Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available.

Check 511 at its updated URL and website: https://511.vdot.virginia.gov. The 511 site has traffic cameras, current crash locations, weather conditions and more. The public can sign-up for 511 alerts to be sent to their personal device. On the VDOT 511 website roads with snow and ice conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe or closed.

Road condition definitions:

• Closed: Road is closed to all traffic.
• Severe: drifting or partially blocked road.
• Moderate: snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
• Minor: bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.  Driving with caution is recommended.

Another information source is the VDOT website at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov. Type in “winter weather” in the search bar located in the middle of the home page. Follow the links to the winter page for driving tips, snow removal procedures, travel kit items and additional resources.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are on site 24/7 every day of the year to assist the public. People can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).

The Staunton District X (Twitter) feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. The VDOT Staunton District has a group page on Facebook. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

VDOT statewide X feeds can be found at @VaDOT. The nine districts can be found at: Hampton Roads @VaDOTHR; Richmond @VaDOTRVA; Northern Virginia @VaDOTNOVA; Fredericksburg @VaDOTFred; Culpeper @VaDOTCulp; Lynchburg @VaDOTLynchburg; Bristol @VaDOTBristol; Salem @VaDOTSalem; and Staunton @VaDOTStaunton.