STAUNTON –  Moderate conditions are being reported on most road systems in the Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District late this afternoon.  Motorists are advised to drive only if necessary.  If travel is essential, motorists are advised to slow down and avoid getting overly confident.

From the VDOT Salem District they advise that both lanes of northbound Interstate 81 in Botetourt County are closed at mile marker 173.5 near Natural Bridge due to an accident.  Traffic is being detoured onto a frontage road at exit 168 and then brought back onto I-81 at exit 175.  There is no estimated time for re-opening the road. Traffic is currently backed up ten miles

Here are the Staunton District road conditions as of 3:30 p.m.

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

Interstate 66 – Moderate conditions are reported in Warren County.

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

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

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.