CULPEPER – Several crashes involving multiple vehicles have closed Interstate 64 at the summit of Afton Mountain. Westbound traffic is being detoured onto Route 250 at mile marker 107 at Crozet and eastbound traffic is being detoured at mile marker 96 at Waynesboro. Extremely foggy conditions are being reported near the mountain’s summit on both I-64 and Route 250 and motorists are warned to use extreme caution traveling through that area.

Route 33 in Greene County and Route 211 in Rappahannock County are also reported foggy and with icing conditions near both summits.

Most other highways across Central Virginia are reported wet at 5 p.m. Tuesday but ice is beginning to form as the temperatures drop after dusk. Most locations are reporting a mix of rain and sleet, with temperatures at or slightly above freezing .Light snow is still falling in Rappahannock and Fauquier counties. Roads in that area are reported mostly clear but with isolated patches of snow and slush.

Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation, supplemented by contractors, are working on interstate and primary roads across the district. As road conditions permit the crews will move onto secondary roads later in the evening and overnight into Wednesday.

Motorists should be aware that driving conditions may change rapidly, especially after dark. If the freezing rain continues overnight travel is likely to become extremely hazardous and unnecessary travel should be avoided. Dense fog may add to the hazard of overnight travel. Those who must travel should allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions. If you must be on the roads during the storm and immediately after, observe the following winter driving tips:

• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.



• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.



• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.



• Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.



• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.



• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.



• Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.

Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit VirginiaDOT.org.


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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008