Salem District: Crews make progress on secondary roads, but refreeze will happen overnight

SALEM – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and contractors are actively working on secondary roads, neighborhoods and subdivisions. While progress continues, motorists should not expect bare pavement. With temperatures remaining below freezing, snow and ice can stay packed on roadways, even as crews continue snow removal and treatment operations. Significant improvement on secondary roads will be dependent on temperatures and sun throughout the week.

Crews have plowed all secondary roads at least once, except for the lowest volume roads and those will be completed by Wednesday morning. VDOT crews will continue applying abrasives and treatment materials to improve traction for motorists. These materials help reduce slipping and improve drivability, but do not immediately remove snow and ice when temperatures remain below freezing. Crews will continue to plow throughout the week, taking advantage of favorable conditions during the day.

The Salem District maintains more than 9,200 miles, including more than 7,300 miles of secondary routes. The Salem District covers 12 counties and has the highest number of secondary road miles in Virginia.

Residents who can avoid or delay travel can help VDOT in its efforts to plow and treat roadways. Vehicles pack down snow and sleet, making it more challenging for snowplows to reach bare pavement.

Anything that does melt is going to refreeze and it continues to be an ongoing issue. If roads appear wet, they could be icy. Drivers should use caution, particularly on bridges, ramps, shaded areas and higher elevations where ice can form first.

For questions about your road or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center online or call 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

If you need to travel, know road conditions before you leave home. Visit 511 online, check the 511 Virginia mobile app or call 511 in Virginia for road condition updates. 

Find answers to frequently asked questions about winter weather and snow removal on the VDOT website.

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

For more updates on local conditions in our area, follow us in our Facebook Community for Salem District or on X @VaDOTSalem.