The Virginia Department of Transportation released ongoing and upcoming road work throughout the region:
INTERSTATE PROJECTS
Interstate 81 – Exit 19: Be alert to the following activities on the I-81 exit 19 safety improvement project in Abingdon: nighttime work on Route 11 and utility work in the work zone during day and nighttime hours. The project includes realigning a portion of Empire Drive, widening a curve along the southbound off ramp, and adding traffic signals at the intersection of newly aligned Empire Drive and Route 11 and where Route 11 intersects with the end of the exit 19 southbound ramps. (Completion: Summer 2022)
I-77 bridges over Cove Creek: Be alert to a project to replace the Interstate 77 bridges over Cove Creek in Wythe County, located about two miles north of Interstate 81 between mile markers 44 and 42. Motorists can expect an altered traffic pattern on southbound I-77 and periodic nighttime lane closures while work is underway. (Completion: early 2023)
Interstate 81 bridges at Atkins: A project to replace the Interstate 81 bridges near mile marker 52 in the Atkins area of Smyth County is underway. Be alert to shoulder closures through the work zone and the possibility of lane closures on Route 11 beneath the bridges. The speed limit in the work zone is 60 mph. (Completion: Fall 2022)
Interstate 81 – bridges over Reed Creek: Due to replacement of the Interstate 81 bridges over Reed Creek in Wythe County, be alert to altered traffic patterns in the work zone. Traffic is restricted to two 11-foot-wide lanes with no shoulder. The bridges are located about one-mile north of the I-77 split at I-81 exit 81. The speed limit through the work zone is 60 mph. Allow extra travel time and watch out for workers. (Completion: Fall 2021)
***Interstates 81 and 77 maintenance activities: No lane closures are scheduled for Interstates 81 in Washington, Smyth or Wythe counties and I-77 in Wythe and Bland counties. However, be alert to workers along the shoulder performing maintenance such as debris removal and sign installations.
PRIMARY HIGHWAYS AND HIGH TRAFFIC SECONDARY ROADS:
Grayson County
Route 21: Periodic flagging will take place weekdays on Route 21 in Grayson County near the intersection of Black Rock Mountain Lane due to a culvert installation project. (late February 2021)
Wythe County
***Route 664 (Glade Road) bridge: Due to replacement of the Route 664 (Glade Road) bridge over Reed Creek in Wythe County, the bridge will close to traffic February 18 and remain closed through spring 2022. Route 664 will be closed from .99-mile east of Route 711 to 1.06-mile east of Route 711. Be alert to detour signs that will be in place before the project begins. (Completion: Spring 2022)
