VDOT: Spring snowstorm could create slick roads

SALEM – With winter weather forecasted to impact portions of western Virginia starting tonight, March 20, and into tomorrow March 21, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is advising motorists to expect possible slick or icy road conditions.

A difference in just a few degrees of air or ground temperatures will determine if ice or snow accumulates on roadways or not.  In addition, snow may fall heavily at times, rapidly covering roads overnight and tomorrow.

Drivers should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses, curves, shaded areas, higher elevations, cooler spots and elevated surfaces that may become slick or snow-covered before other areas.

Crews will not be pre-treating roads with brine ahead of this storm because the weather event is expected to start out as rain before transitioning to freezing rain or snow.  With rain forecasted ahead of frozen precipitation, the brine would wash off roads and not be effective.

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.