Crews working to remove fallen trees

SALEM – 4:30 a.m.- Snow removal crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have worked overnight night to address additional snowfall and icy conditions on the interstates and primary roads throughout southwestern Virginia. After Friday’s snowfall, all primary roads and interstates have been plowed and treated, but they required attention overnight.

Interstates 77, 81 and 581 are in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots. Primary roads throughout the 12-county Salem District are in minor to moderate condition, which means many primary roads are still mostly snow covered.

Very little progress has been made on secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) or the neighborhood streets. Many of these routes have not been plowed, and the few that have been still have ice and compacted snow bonded to the road surface. All secondary roads in southwestern Virginia remain in moderate to severe condition, which means they are still covered in a layer of snow and ice.

In addition, a number of trees have fallen from the weight of the snow and ice. In Henry, Patrick, Roanoke and Bedford counties crews are working to remove fallen trees from some area roads.

If conditions allow, VDOT plans to plow as many secondary roads today as possible. However, if snow begins to drift or conditions worsen on the major roads, snowplow drivers will turn their attention back to these routes.

Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible Saturday. If travel is absolutely necessary drivers should use extreme caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.

The 12-county VDOT Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.