Salem District: Plan travel around weekend weather and expect icy roads until temperatures rise

SALEM – Winter weather is expected to move into western Virginia on Sunday, Jan. 19.  Snow, rain or a wintry mix of precipitation are possible, so drivers should pay attention to the forecast and adjust travel plans, particularly if heading into the northern part of the state. Roads could become slick or snow covered quickly depending on the track of the storm.

As with any winter weather event, Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors will be working around the clock to make roads passable, beginning with interstates and primary highways (those numbered 1-599). Once the snow accumulates to about two inches, the plows will begin pushing the slushy mix off the roadways.

Once the precipitation stops and main roads are passable, the crews will shift to secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above), neighborhood streets and unpaved roads. Passable means that the road has been plowed and/or treated with abrasives and chemicals, usually crushed stone and salt. It does not mean that the snow has been removed to black pavement.

In the days ahead, temperatures are expected to plummet causing refreeze and potential ice pack on secondary roads, neighborhood streets and unpaved roads. Temperatures will need to rise above freezing before icy conditions are no longer affecting travel.

If you are traveling this weekend or early next week, visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.