Salem District: Winter weather continues with continues with refreeze overnight, nonessential travel is not advised

SALEM (3:45 p.m.) – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and contractors continue to plow and treat interstates and primary roads (1-599) during the current winter weather storm. However, as precipitation continues to fall this afternoon and evening, hazardous and slick road conditions are expected, especially during the afternoon commute today and overnight.

Temperatures are expected to plummet overnight causing refreeze and potential ice pack on secondary roads, neighborhood streets and unpaved roads. Expect icy roads until temperatures rise.

Residents should avoid nonessential travel due to current road conditions and allow crews time to make progress on plowing and treating roads. At this time, VDOT crews and contractors currently are focusing snow-removal efforts on interstate and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) with most in minor condition with some snow, ice or icy patches.

Secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) and neighborhood streets have not been plowed or treated and remain covered in frozen snow and ice.

Road conditions are expected to improve once precipitation stops, temperatures rise, and equipment operators can make more progress on plowing and treating roads. Drivers should not expect bare pavement.

If travel is absolutely essential, check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

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 X at @VaDOTSalem.

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).