CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Area road-conditions are improving, but people are still being advised to avoid traveling if possible.

“You’re going to find, you know, dicey areas,” Virginia Department of Transportation Senior Communications specialist Sharon Ketcham told WINA Morning News on Monday. “You’ll find some ice and snow on Interstate 64 and 66, so do take it slow when you get out on them, but they’re looking pretty good.”

Ketcham said the interstates were in “minor” condition, which she said was good considering the circumstances of the storm.

Ketcham added that the primary roads were also looking good, and that crews were already plowing them again along with the interstates. Afterward, the plan was for crews to start hitting high-volume secondary roads like Rio and Hydraulic, which she said were in moderate condition. She encouraged those driving on them to be cautious, especially on bridges, overpasses and intersections where slush buildup can refreeze quickly.

Crews have also added chemicals and salts to the road with the hopes that high enough temperatures and the sun would melt some of the snow and ice. However, a refreeze could cause black ice, and Ketcham still encouraged staying off the road while the crews continue to work.

“The more they stay off the road, the quicker that we are able to get them clear,” she said.

Charlottesville Emergency Management Coordinator John Oprandy also spoke to WINA Morning News on Monday and said the main routes in the city looked much better, but also encouraged those who are driving or walking to be cautious and stay home if possible.

“If you can continue to stay off the road, that’ll help our crews out a lot,” he said.

Oprandy also mentioned how per City Code, Charlottesville residents are required to clear off any section of the sidewalk in front of their property within 24 of snowfall ending, which was declared at 7:30 on Sunday according to a release from the city. The release also encouraged residents to assist neighbors who may need help clearing the sidewalk in front of their homes.

Both officials highlighted the ice as an obstacle for crews looking to clear the roads. Ketcham said VDOT crews have had to use motor graders to break up some of the ice atop the snow. Oprandy gave a similar assessment.

“This is a bit of an extraordinary storm given the ice and the sleet and then the freezing rain … which makes it extra challenging,” he said.

For those looking to keep up with the progress, both VDOT and the City of Charlottesville have plow trackers on their respective websites.