Jason Bond 540-387-5493
Jan. 22, 2014
SALEM DISTRICT: INTERSTATES AND PRIMARY ROADS IN MINOR CONDITION BUT MANY SECONDARY ROADS SNOW COVERED
Winds causing snow to drift in some areas and cold temperatures mean no melting
SALEM – Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation and its contractors have been working last night to plow and treat roads. Snow plow drivers will continue to work throughout the day and will be dispatched as needed to plow and treat due to conditions in their areas. Last night, additional snow showers, drifting snow and below freezing temperatures have created slick and icy road conditions for crews to plow and treat.
Drivers will find the interstates (I-81, I-77 and I-581) and the primary roads (those numbered 1-599) in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 12-county Salem District to be in minor condition this morning. This means these major roads are clear except for isolated slick spots. On these major routes, motorists should pay particular attention to cooler areas such as bridges, overpasses, ramps and shaded areas as there still may be slick spots.
Secondary routes and neighborhood streets (those numbered 600 and above) in Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Pulaski and Roanoke counties are in moderate condition, which means they are covered in snow or ice or have multiple icy spots. With the cold temperatures, even if these roads have been plowed or treated, ice and snow remains frozen to the road surface in many locations.
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.
Drivers can always check road conditions by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org
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.