Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and contractors are working in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat roads in western Virginia as a winter storm continues. The agency is advising motorists to avoid travel due to the risk of snow and ice accumulation, especially in higher elevations, cooler areas, mountainous regions, and on bridges and overpasses.
VDOT crews focus first on interstates and primary highways, beginning snow removal once accumulation reaches about two inches. For freezing rain, chemicals and abrasives are applied to help improve road conditions.
Motorists can access real-time updates on road conditions, traffic incidents, and congestion using VDOT’s 511 mobile app or phone system. Additional information is available on the 511 website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/. This service helps travelers plan their routes based on current conditions.
For local updates specific to the Salem District—which covers Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke counties—travelers can follow VDOT’s Facebook Community for Salem District or Twitter account @VaDOTSalem.
“VDOT crews and contractors are deployed in western Virginia and working in 12-hour shifts, around the clock, to plow and treat roads. The winter storm is expected to continue throughout the day, so VDOT is advising that motorists avoid travel.”
“As with any winter weather event, VDOT crews and contractors will be working around the clock beginning with interstates and primary highways (those numbered 1-599). Plow drivers begin pushing snow off the roadways once it accumulates to around two inches, and for freezing rain they will be applying chemicals and abrasives.”
