VDOT: Drifting snow causing crews to re-plow main roads

6:37 p.m.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors in the 12-county Salem District spent the day plowing roads and will continue to work overnight to due windy conditions and drifting snow.

As of 5 p.m., the interstates (I-77, I-81 and I-581), and all primary roads (those numbered 1-599) in VDOT’s Salem District are in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots.  Drivers are advised to watch out for drifting snow on these roads as high winds continue to blow snow over these routes.  Snow plow drivers have been plowing drifting snow off many of these roads throughout the day.

Secondary roads and neighborhood streets have been plowed in the region and are in minor condition except for the western counties of Carroll, Floyd, and Montgomery where they remain in moderate condition due to frozen ice and snow that has bonded to the road surface.  Conditions will not improve significantly on these routes until temperatures rise and winds subside.

Snow plow drivers will continue to work tonight watching for drifting snow.  Roads may become slick and icy overnight as lower temperatures cause refreezing particularly on bridges, ramps, overpasses and cooler spots in higher elevations.  Drivers should use caution.   

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

Updated road conditions are available at www.511Virginia.org or by dialing 511

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12:16 p.m.

SALEM – Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors in the 12-county Salem District continue to work on plowing and treating roads in southwestern Virginia.  Drifting snow and cold temperatures are posing challenges for snow removal operations.

The interstates (I-77, I-81 and I-581) and almost all primary roads (those numbered 1-599) in VDOT’s Salem District are currently in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots.  However, crews continue to work on these roads in many areas due to drifting snow, so conditions on these routes may change as snow drifts back onto them.  Drivers should use extra caution especially in higher elevations and on ramps where snow may have drifted and re-covered the roadways.

In the Salem District’s western counties of Carroll, Craig, Giles, Floyd, Montgomery and Pulaski, most secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) and neighborhood streets have been plowed.  However, even though a snowplow will have pushed many of these roads, motorists are advised that a layer of ice and frozen snow will remain on most of these roadways.  Accumulated ice and snow has bonded to the road surface and snow is drifting.  Conditions will not improve significantly on these routes until temperatures rise and winds subside.

In the Salem District’s eastern counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin, Henry, Patrick and Roanoke counties, most secondary roads are in minor condition which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots.   However, snow plow drivers continue to work today in many areas due to drifting snow, especially in higher elevations.  Drivers need to watch for drifting snow and icy patches on roads due to refreezing.

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

Updated road conditions are available at www.511Virginia.org or by dialing 511.