VDOT continues to make progress on major roads, warns drivers of ice, drifting

Interstate 81 northbound lanes in Rockbridge County. Photo courtesy VDOT traffic cam. (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) -- Despite additional snow on Saturday, VDOT crews are making some progress.

8:00 P.M. -

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VDOT spokesperson Jen Ward said the additional snow fall has required crews to return to plowing interstates and primary routes. Drivers may see black pavement, but are warned of icy patches.

Ward said crews expect to see snow drifting overnight as the wind picks up. This could reduce visibility and require crews to re-plow interstates and primary routes before they can start plowing secondary roads.

Crews remain fully deployed. They will continue to treat and plow roads overnight.

12:00 P.M. -

VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond said after a few snow plow passes, some of the pavement is peaking out on Interstate 81.

Bond said pre-treating the roads a few days ago has made the job easier for crews, helping them get the first round of snow and ice off the roads much quicker than if the roads were not pre-treated.

VDOT's goal is to continue to make progress on major roads and interstates so it can then turn its attention to neighborhood streets, although Bond said that could take some time. He said progress will depend on the amount of wind. Should there be drifting snow, crews will have to turn their attention back to major roads and interstates.

Meanwhile, VDOT has closed several off-ramps along Interstate 81 to cut down on tractor trailer traffic. Crews want to prevent the trucks from blocking I-81. All on-ramps remain open.

Here is the information from the VDOT news release:

I-81 exit 323 in the Clear Brook area of Frederick County – northbound and southbound off ramps are closed.

I-81 exit 291 in Toms Brook area of Shenandoah County – northbound and southbound off ramps are closed.

I-81 exit 213 in the Greenville area of Augusta County – southbound off ramp is closed. Southbound trucks can use rest area at mile marker 159 in Botetourt County. Northbound off-ramp is open, and northbound trucks can use this exit to park at nearby Riverheads High School.

I-81 exit 205 in Raphine area of Rockbridge County – northbound and southbound off ramps are closed. Southbound trucks can use the rest area at mile marker 159 in Botetourt County. Northbound trucks can park at Riverheads High School off exit 213.

I-81 exit 195 in the Timber Ridge and Lexington area of Rockbridge County – northbound and southbound off ramps are closed. Southbound trucks can use rest area at mile marker 159 in Botetourt County. Northbound trucks can park at Riverheads High School off exit 213.

VDOT crews and contractors are using more than 1,000 pieces of heavy equipment to plow and treat roadways in the Staunton District. They work 12-hour shifts until all state-maintained roads are cleared, which is expected to take several days. VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after the end of a storm.