SALEM – Many roads remain mostly snow covered in western Virginia as snow continues to fall. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and contractors continue to plow and treat primary roads (those numbered 1-599) and interstates.
In VDOT’s Salem District, I-81, I-581 and I-77 and primary roads in all counties are in moderate condition, meaning there is ice or snow on major portions of the roadway. Secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above), neighborhood streets, and some bridges and ramps are in severe condition, which means they are completely covered in significant snow or ice.
Operators will continue to plow and treat interstate and primary roads until the snow stops. In addition, they will monitor these main routes for drifting snow this evening and overnight. Due to the continuing snowfall and possible drifting snow, plows may not arrive on secondary and neighborhood roads until early Friday morning. It is VDOT’s goal to reach all roads within 48 hours after a storm ends.
Drivers should continue to avoid travel until after the storm to allow snow plows the opportunity to plow and treat roadways.
In Montgomery County:
On southbound I-81 at mile marker 109, disable vehicles were cleared at 2:55 p.m. and both lanes were open at that time. Traffic is backed up 7 miles.
On northbound I-81 at mile marker 113, disable vehicles are blocking both northbound lanes. Traffic is backed up 13 miles.
In Roanoke County:
On southbound I-81 at mile marker 141, a tractor-trailer incident is blocking both northbound lanes.
For updated traffic information on these incidents, visit www.511Virginia.org or dial 511.
If drivers must go out immediately after the storm they are advised to do the following:
- Check road conditions before leaving home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org
- Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
- Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road
- Do not pass snow removal equipment
The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.