ROADS GRADUALLY IMPROVING IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Motorists are advised to drive only if necessary. If travel is essential, motorists are advised to slow down and avoid getting overLY confident.

Here are the Staunton District road conditions as of 5:15 p.m.

Interstate 64 – Minor conditions are reported in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties, including Afton Mountain. Fog is being reported on Afton Mountain.

interstate 66 – Moderate conditions are reported in Warren County.

Interstate 81 –Minor conditions are in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Primary roads are in moderate condition in Rockbridge, Bath, Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren and Page counties. Minor conditions are in Alleghany and Clarke 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.

Note to editors and reporters:

For immediate updates, especially during the night and early morning hours, you can contact the Staunton District snow desk/switchboard at (540) 332-9075.

You can also get more detailed local information from the VDOT residency offices:

• Lexington Residency - Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge counties - (540) 463-3108
  
  
• Verona Residency - Augusta and Highland counties - (540) 332-8989
  
  
• Harrisonburg Residency - Rockingham County - (540) 434-2586
  
  
• Edinburg Residency - Shenandoah, Frederick counties - (540) 984-5600
  
  
• Luray Residency - Page, Warren, Clarke counties - (540) 743-6585 or 1-800-650-7008

Road condition definitions:

• Severe – drifting or partially blocked road. Snow tires or chains are necessary.
  

• Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway. Snow tires or chains are advisable.
  
  
• Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Driving with caution is recommended.