News Release: VDOT Staunton Districts: MOTORISTS URGED TO REMAIN OFF ROADS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
December 19, 2009
CONTACT:Sandy Myers 540-332-9201 (office)
540-292-2500 (cell)
Sandy.Myers@VDOT.Virginia.gov
Marshall Barnhill 540-332-9264 (office)
540-414-5670 (cell)
Marshall.Barnhill@VDOT.Virginia.gov
MOTORISTS URGED TO REMAIN OFF ROADS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY
STAUNTON – (1:45 p.m.) Many roads are in moderate to severe condition in the Shenandoah Valley on Sunday afternoon. The Virginia Department of Transportation still advises motorists not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
Both lanes of Interstate 81 northbound are open at mile marker 184 in Rockbridge County in the Lexington area. Earlier today, both northbound lanes were blocked by disabled vehicles. Detours at exits 150 and 180 have been lifted.
Drivers should stay alert for slow moving traffic, congestion and disabled vehicles that exist along the entire length of Interstate 81 in the area, especially between Lexington and Staunton.
Snow removal operations continue today. Motorists should keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind slow moving trucks that are plowing the road and shoulders. Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People should not drive unless absolutely necessary. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-866-MY511VA (866-695-1182). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.
For a chart of winter weather road conditions go the www.511Virginia.org site, look to the left side of the page and click on the “Road Conditions” bar. A map will appear with color coded roads. Right above the map is a link reading: “Click here for a list of road conditions, including secondary roads”. Click on this link, then in the drop-down box click on the desired county or Virginia statewide. A text box of road conditions will appear.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
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Closed – Roadway is closed; impassable
Severe – Significant accumulations of snow or ice blocking the roadway; conditions are hazardous
Moderate – Snow or ice covering a major portion of the roadway; passable with caution
Minor – Advisory, potential for icy patches or snow on roadway; passable with caution
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