“Salem District Advises Travelers to Steer Clear for Road Safety and Snow Clearance Efforts!”

SALEM (5 a.m.) – A winter storm has deposited several inches of snow in western Virginia overnight. Roads are blanketed in snow and temperatures remain under freezing. Residents are urged to refrain from non-essential travel to enable crews to efficiently clear and treat the roads.

Crews and contractors from the Virginia Department of Transportation are currently focusing on interstates and primary roads (designated 1-599). These routes take precedence during any winter weather scenario.

Interstate conditions are rated as minor, indicating the presence of icy spots. Primary roads vary from minor to moderate conditions, signifying that they are still covered with snow.

Low traffic secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) and local streets have not been cleared or treated and are still snow-blanketed.

Road conditions are expected to improve as equipment operators continue to make headway in clearing and treating the roads. Motorists should not anticipate bare pavement until the temperatures rise.

If travel is absolutely necessary, consult the roadway conditions through VDOT’s free 511 mobile application, which provides details on road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and more. Additional information is available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

For inquiries or to report dangerous road conditions, reach VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or dialing 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).