Salem District: Road conditions improve but beware of refreezing with low temperatures overnight

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been responding today to the winter storm that covered roadways with snow in some portions of western Virginia. Equipment operators have made significant progress and road conditions have improved.

Drivers will find the interstates and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) mostly clear with some isolated slick spots. Crews are plowing and treating secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) and neighborhood streets, making significant progress.  Secondary road plowing will continue this afternoon and into the overnight hours. Most non-hard surface secondary roads have not been treated yet.

VDOT is warning drivers of the potential for icy roads as low temperatures are expected to cause any moisture on roads to refreeze overnight and tomorrow morning. Crews will continue working overnight and through the morning hours Saturday.

Drivers on Saturday morning should use extra caution and watch out for icy roads and slick spots even on roads that have been plowed, due to the below-freezing temperatures.  Pay particular attention to mountainous locations, cooler spots, bridges, overpasses, runoff areas and ramps.

Travelers can get real-time information on road conditions, traffic incidents and congestion on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or phone system or on the 511 website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/ which can help travelers plan their routes accordingly.

For more updates on local conditions in our area, follow us in our Facebook Community for Salem District at https://www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem or on Twitter @VaDOTSalem.

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

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).