RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Sandy Myers (540) 332-9201 Sandy.Myers@vdot.virginia.gov Cellular: (540) 292-2500

STA-030 Feb. 1, 2008

ICING LEAVING BUT POWER TO AFTON FOG LIGHTS IS GONE TOO

STAUNTON (4:30 p.m.) – In Augusta County, all eastbound and westbound lanes on Route 250 are closed from Waynesboro to the Interstate 64 interchange at exit 99 due to a down power line in the roadway. The power outage in this area is affecting the Interstate 64 Afton fog light system, making all the lights inoperable. If fog develops on the mountain, motorist should use extreme caution when driving in this area.

Dominion Power is working on the power line. The Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton Traffic Management Center is reporting the outage will last another couple of hours, according to their sources at Dominion Power. This is as of 4:30 p.m. today.

Most roads are clear or in minor condition in the Shenandoah Valley following today’s ice storm. The sun is coming out in the southern part of the Valley and is rapidly melting ice. Motorists should be alert for falling ice from tree limbs and power lines.

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

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.