A representative of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has discussed actions taken by the organization to improve roads in the Heart of Virginia from icy conditions and urged caution for motorists on the road Tuesday, particularly as numerous vehicle accidents have taken place in the area.

Spokeswoman Paula Jones with VDOT said the organization has received reports from the Heart of Virginia about road conditions.

“Crews have been out,” Jones said. “They did apply pre-treatment on major roadways over the last several days and main areas starting over the weekend. They have been applying abrasives and salt and sand as appropriate in trouble areas. So if things have been reported, we have been addressing them, and we have been monitoring conditions.” Jones said while weather was set to be warmer Tuesday, road temperatures are often colder than air temperatures.

“The air temperature in many areas is above freezing at this time,” Jones said. “However, the road surfaces are colder because there have been such cold temperatures recently that the road surfaces have not warmed above freezing in many locations.”

She urged motorists to be careful to drive safely to avoid vehicle accidents.

“If people have to be on the roadway today, certainly allow extra time this morning before getting on the roadway,” Jones said Tuesday. “If you must be out, use extreme caution, travel slowly. Make very steady turns; don’t turn abruptly. The biggest thing with these icy conditions, it’s not a matter of getting going, it’s a matter of stopping. So allow extra time between yourself and other vehicles if you must travel.”

Icy conditions throughout the Heart of Virginia have prompted closures of area schools and organizations.

Charlotte County Public Schools closed schools Tuesday, according to an announcement on the division’s Facebook page.

“Significant icing has occurred across the county with numerous wrecks being reported by the sherriff’s department due to ice on the roads,” the post cited.

Officials from the Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging announced Tuesday that its friendship cafes in Buckingham and Lunenburg were closed, and home delivered meal routes in Buckingham and Lunenburg counties would operate on a two-hour delay.