MODERATE CONDITIONS ON ALL SHENANDOAH VALLEY ROADS

?>STAUNTON –  Moderate conditions are being reported on all road systems in the Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District.  The area is being hit by a snow and ice storm that is now leaving the southern counties and is putting down snow in the north.  Motorists are advised to drive only if necessary.  If travel is essential, motorists are advised to slow down and avoid getting over confident.  

Numerous accidents have been reported throughout the morning.

In Rockingham County on Interstate 81 southbound at mile marker 240 the left lane is closed due to an accident.  This is in the area of the Mount Crawford and Bridgewater interchange.?>

In Augusta County on I-81 northbound at mile marker 231.4 the left lane is closed due to an accident.  This is between exit 227 in Verona and exit 235 at Weyers Cave.

In Augusta County on I-81 at mile marker 221, northbound, there is a tractor trailer accident that is partially blocking the I-81 ramp on the eastbound I-64.

Travelers southbound on I-81 should be aware of multiple accidents in Botetourt County at mile marker 172.8, which is about two miles south of Natural Bridge.  The right lane is closed.  Traffic is being detoured at exit 175 onto Route 11 south and back onto I-81 at exit 168.  Expect delays in this area.

Here are the Staunton District road conditions as of 12:45 p.m.

Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions are reported in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties, including Afton Mountain.

Interstate 66 – Moderate conditions are reported in Warren County.

Interstate 81 –Moderate conditions are in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. 

Primary roads are in moderate condition in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Bath, Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren, Clarke and Page counties.

Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Bath, Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren, Clarke and Page counties.

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.