Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and contractors are continuing to clear interstates and primary roads in the Salem District as winter weather persists. Ongoing precipitation is expected to make road conditions hazardous, particularly during the afternoon commute and overnight hours.
Temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly overnight, which may cause refreezing and create ice on secondary roads, neighborhood streets, and unpaved areas. VDOT has advised that icy conditions should be expected until temperatures rise.
“Residents should avoid nonessential travel due to current road conditions and allow crews time to make progress on plowing and treating roads. At this time, VDOT crews and contractors currently are focusing snow-removal efforts on interstate and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) with most in minor condition with some snow, ice or icy patches.”
Secondary roads—numbered 600 and above—and neighborhood streets have not yet been plowed or treated. These remain covered in frozen snow and ice.
VDOT states that improvements will come once precipitation ends, temperatures increase, and operators can continue clearing the roads. Drivers should not expect bare pavement at this stage.
“If travel is absolutely essential, check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.”
For those seeking local updates for the Salem District area, information is available through VDOT’s Facebook Community page for Salem District at https://www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem or on X at @VaDOTSalem.
