SALEM – A winter weather event could create slick or icy roads overnight Thursday and into Friday morning for portions of southwest Virginia. Motorists should be alert to possible icing, particularly in cooler areas such as bridges and overpasses or locations in the higher elevations where roads can become ice or snow covered sooner than in other areas.
When the storm system passes through the region, road conditions could change rapidly as a variation in just a few degrees of temperature could make a difference in how much ice or snow accumulates on roadways.
As this winter weather event is expected to start out with snow or frozen precipitation instead of rain, Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors have applied brine to pre-treat bridges, overpasses and other cooler spots on the interstates and many major routes. These crews will continue to monitor road conditions tonight and Friday morning and will be responding as necessary.
Travelers are reminded that they can get real-time information on road conditions, traffic incidents and congestion on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or the www.511Virginia.org website and phone system, which can help travelers plan their routes accordingly.
The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.