VDOT pre-treating roads ahead of winter weather

Drivers encouraged to plan travel around forecasted event 

SALEM – With winter weather anticipated to impact portions of southwest Virginia on January 7 and 8, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is mobilizing to plow and treat roads.

VDOT suggests that drivers plan travel around the forecasted weather event, as slick roads and rapidly changing conditions are possible.

On Thursday, VDOT crews and contractors will be pre-treating major roads and interstates ahead of the storm.  Drivers should use caution around slower moving trucks that will be applying brine.

VDOT’s first priority in any winter weather event are the interstates and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) and high volume secondary roads.  Equipment operators will be making multiple passes over these major routes and will not work on low-volume secondary roads or neighborhood streets until the precipitation stops and progress is made on the main roads.

Travelers 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