Lillian Boyd
SALEM –Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors have been monitoring and addressing road conditions overnight and this morning as dropping temperatures have caused re-freezing on roadways.
Crews worked overnight to attend to secondary routes and maintain primary routes throughout the district. They are continuing to treat roads and apply abrasives where needed.
As of 4:45 a.m., Interstates and primary roads are in minor condition. Drivers are encouraged to allow for extra travel time on their morning commute and to watch for isolated slick spots on bridges and ramps on Interstates (I-77, I-81 and I-581) and primary roads (those numbered 1-599). Henry and Patrick County is reporting moderate conditions for primary routes.
Secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) are in moderate condition throughout the Salem District. Many of these roads will have snow pack present which means drivers will not see bare pavement. Drivers should travel slow as roads will be slick until temperatures rise on secondary roads, neighborhood streets and subdivisions, especially in areas that are mostly in the shade during the day.
Motorists are encouraged to consider delaying their travel this morning and wait for temperatures to rise and for road conditions to improve.
Travelers are reminded that they can get real-time information on road conditions and traffic incidents on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or the www.511Virginia.org website and phone system.
The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.
Want to get married in May? Outdoors? At Dr. Pepper Park? Here’s your chance. More on “Mega Rock-N-Wed” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
SALEM – Morning snow showers have started to fall through southwest Virginia and road conditions may continue to change and impact drivers over the next few hours. Virginia Department of Transportation crews have been attending to roads throughout the night and will continue to monitor and address road conditions today.
As of 4:30 a.m. this morning, drivers will find the interstates, most primary roads (those numbered 1-599), and secondary roads (those numbed 600 and above), in minor condition with icy patches and slick spots. Slick roads throughout the region are present, especially on bridges, overpasses, curves, higher elevations and elevated surfaces which often will produce icy conditions first.
Snow is expected to continue to fall throughout the morning and road conditions could change rapidly with wind chills and temperatures continuing to fall. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and continue to monitor traffic and weather reports throughout the morning as conditions are expected to change.
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.orgwebsite 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.
From Western Virginia Water Authority: A 12-inch water line break at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Courtland Road NE is impacting traffic. While both westbound lanes at the intersection are currently closed, crews are one the scene and are working to open one lane of traffic. Traffic is expected to be impacted through the night. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in the area and follow established detours.
From News Release: MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced today that 17 alleged members and associates of the MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gang have been indicted by a grand jury on various charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and drug trafficking in Nassau County and nationally.
From Roanoke County Police: On 01/13/2018 at approximately 01:07 an Officer was flagged down in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The victim was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with non life threathing injuries. One lane of the road was blocked to traffic. Alcohol may have been a factor in the accident. The accident is still under investigation. No charges have been placed at this time. The roadway is back open at this time.
Photo: Troy Gastelo Facebook
The survivor in a fatal shooting in Roanoke took to Facebook Live to let others know he’s okay. It’s the first shooting and the first homicide of the New Year in Roanoke. Last Friday, police found Michael “Cardona” Santamarina and Troy Gastelo with gunshot wounds in a vehicle on Burks Street Southwest. WFIR’s Lillian Boyd has more on the investigation to find a second suspect.
From news release: Yesterday’s wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain combined with overnight cold pavement temperatures to create icy road conditions throughout southwestern Virginia.
If at all possible, drivers are strongly encouraged to consider postponing travel until later in the day when temperatures are expected to rise and road conditions will improve.
As of 4 a.m., road conditions in western Virginia range from minor (icy spots) to moderate (ice covered).
Drivers will find Interstate 81, I-581 and I-77 and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) to be in minor condition. This means these main routes are mostly clear with isolated slick spots. Motorists should use still use caution on bridges, overpasses, ramps and in cooler areas on these routes.
Secondary roads and neighborhood streets (those numbered 600 and above) in many counties, particularly in the New River Valley, are covered in ice. This includes secondary roads in Botetourt, Craig, Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery, Floyd and Roanoke counties.
Secondary roads and neighborhood streets in other portions of the region are mostly clear with isolated slick spots. Drivers should watch for icy patches on secondary roads, particularly in the higher elevations and on bridges and overpasses. Icy spots are reported on roads in Bedford, Carroll, Henry, Franklin and Patrick counties.
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.
Craig County officials are continuing their work this new year toward developing a sports complex and recreation area for youth.
From News Release: The Salem Fire & EMS Department responded to a structure fire at 503 S. College Ave. Friday evening at approximately 5:33 p.m. The fire was contained to two rooms, but the building did sustain extensive smoke damage. There were two occupants inside the home at the time of the fire and both were able to escape with minor injuries. The two occupants were transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The first units arrived within five minutes of receiving the call and found heavy fire coming from the second floor. Crews were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes. Thirty-one first responders from the Salem Fire & EMS Department (Truck 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Medic 801, Medic 802 and Medic 803), Salem Rescue Squad (Medic 154) and the Roanoke Fire & EMS Department (Engine 4, Engine 13 and Ladder 5) responded to the call. The Salem Fire & EMS Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the cause of the fire to be undetermined. The damage estimate has been set at $50,000.