VDOT crews clearing roads ahead of freeze

A winter storm passed through western Virginia last night covering roads with snow and ice. Crews and contractors with the Virginia Department of Transportation were mobilized overnight to plow and treat roads.

Motorists are advised that many secondary roads and neighborhood streets (those numbered 600 and above) in western Virginia, particularly in the Roanoke and New River valleys, are covered in snow and ice. If possible, delay travel until later in the day as road conditions on these routes will improve as crews continue to work.

As of 4:30 a.m., drivers will find interstates and most primary roads (those numbered 1-599) mostly clear with icy patches. With temperatures below freezing, motorists should still use caution on these main routes, particularly on ramps, bridges, overpasses and elevated surfaces, where icy patches may remain. If you must drive, stay alert and watch out for ice and snow. Roads that appear wet may be icy.

Temperatures are expected to plummet heading into the evening hours, so drivers can expect refreezing and icy road conditions until there is a warming trend. Cold spots, mountainous areas, shaded locations, bridges, ramps and overpasses will become icy before other areas.

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

Before traveling, 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 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

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).