Snow expected this weekend

With winter weather anticipated to impact western Virginia this weekend, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers to be alert to the possibility of snow-covered roads starting on Saturday, February 12 and continuing into Sunday, February 13. On Friday, VDOT crews and contractors will be pre-treating interstates and primary roads with brine ahead of this storm.

Equipment operators will be monitoring road conditions and responding as necessary this weekend. During this storm, areas with colder temperatures or locations in the higher elevations may have more accumulation on roadways. Bridges, overpasses, ramps, shaded spots and cooler areas can become snow covered or slick first.

Drivers are reminded that as long as snow continues to fall, snowplow operators will be making multiple passes over the interstates and main routes. Once the winter weather has stopped and progress is made on the main routes, crews will start plowing and treating lower volume secondary routes (those numbered 600 and above) or neighborhood streets. The primary roads are VDOT’s top priority for snow removal during a weather event.

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 the www.511Virginia.org website and phone system.

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