Heidi Underwood 540-387-5493
Feb. 9, 2010
SNOW REMOVAL CREWS FOCUS ON CLEARING INTERSTATE AND PRIMARY ROADS
Area roads are in minor to moderate condition; more snow expected
SALEM – 10:30 a.m.- Snow removal crews are working to clear interstate and primary roads in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 12-county Salem District Tuesday morning. Early morning snowfall has left many roads in minor to moderate condition. Motorists are advised to use caution if they must travel Tuesday morning. Forecasters expect more snow throughout the day on Tuesday, and motorists should be alert to changing road conditions.
As of 10 a.m. the following conditions are reported:
Interstates 581 and 81 in Botetourt, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski counties are in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear except for some isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Interstate 77 in Carroll County is clear.
In Giles, Craig, and Pulaski counties primary (1-599) and secondary (600 and above) roads are in moderate condition, which means there is snow on major portions of the roadway.
In Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin, Floyd, Montgomery, Patrick, Roanoke and Henry counties primary roads are in minor condition. Secondary roads are in minor to moderate condition.
In Carroll County primary roads are clear and secondary roads are in moderate condition.
Snow removal crews will continue to focus on clearing interstate and primary roads until the snow stops and these roads are clear. Operators will then turn their attention to secondary roads.
• Check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach their destinations
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles
• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary
The 12-county VDOT Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke. VDOT is responsible for maintaining county roads; cities and large towns are responsible for snow removal on roads maintained by that locality.
Road condition definitions:
Severe – significant snow or ice on roadway
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.