The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning the following projects:
On Interstate 81 at Exit 19 – Be alert to work related to a safety improvement project. Nighttime work on U.S. Highway 11 and utility work during the day and night. 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
In Wythe County on the Interstate 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
In Grayson County, there will be periodic flagging taking place on U.S. Highway 21 on weekdays near the intesection of Black Rock Mountain Lane due to a culvert installation. Completion is set for late February.
In Wythe County, the Glade Road bridge over Reed Creek will close to traffic from Feb. 18 to spring 2022. Be alert to detour signs that will be in place before the project begins. Completion: Spring 2022.
