In an effort to keep motorists informed, the Virginia Department of Transportation provides weekly information about highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. When traveling through highway work zones, use caution and be alert to changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped traffic.
To help motorists take the guesswork out of travel plans, call VDOT’s 511 or visit http://www.511virginia.org for real-time traffic information.
Entries with asterisks (***) indicate the listing is new or the status of the project has changed since last week’s traffic alert.
INTERSTATE PROJECTS
***Interstate 81 – widening (Washington County): A project to widen I-81 southbound between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County, as well as widening approximately one mile of northbound I-81 from exit 7 to the north, is underway. Be alert to a traffic pattern changes north and southbound. (Completion: November 2025)
Interstate 81 – truck climbing lanes (Washington County): A project is underway to add truck climbing lanes to Interstate 81 northbound at mile marker 32.4 and southbound at mile marker 34 in Washington County. The roadway shoulder is closed during construction. Be alert to temporary lane closures north and southbound. Pay close attention to work zone signs. (Completion: November 2025)
***Interstates 81 and 77 maintenance activities: Be alert to the following lane closures due to interstate maintenance activities:
Interstate 81
– Nighttime bridge deck repairs northbound near exit 29 in Washington County.
– Nighttime bridge deck repairs northbound near exit 35 in Smyth County.
– Daytime pothole patching operations north and southbound between exit 54 and mile marker 88 in Smyth and Wythe counties.
– Nighttime pothole patching north and southbound between the Virginia/Tennessee state line and mile marker 27 in Washington County.
– Nighttime bridge deck repairs southbound near exit 45 in the Marion area of Smyth County.
– Day and nighttime bridge repairs north and southbound near exit 47 in Smyth County February 5 – 9. No wide loads over 14 feet when the work zone is in place.
Interstate 77
– Daytime pothole patching operations north and southbound between exit 41 and mile marker 67 in Wythe and Bland counties and north and southbound between mile marker 24 and 33 in Wythe County.
PRIMARY HIGHWAYS AND HIGH TRAFFIC SECONDARY ROADS:
Smyth County
Route 622 bridge rehab: A project to rehabilitate the Route 622 bridge over Norfolk and Western Railway in Smyth County continues. Be alert to temporary traffic signals at Route 11 and Route 622 (Haven Ridge Road). Motorists should use caution in the area and pay close attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: May 2024)
Washington County
Route 58 widening near Damascus: Be alert to road widening work on Route 58 near Damascus. All traffic is using the two westbound lanes through the entire work zone. Pay close attention to signs, message boards and flaggers. (Completion: May 2024)
Old Route 11/Hillman Highway intersection improvements: Be alert to a lane closure at the intersection of Old Route 11 and Hillman Highway. Work is underway for intersection improvements. Pay close attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: March 2024)
Wythe County
Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge: Due to an upcoming bridge replacement project, the Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge in Wythe County has been restricted to one 11-foot-wide lane and a three-ton weight limit. Construction is scheduled to begin April 2024.
***Completed
Route 651 (Old Lester’s Fork Road) bridge repairs: Bridge repairs are wrapping up on Route 651 (Old Lester’s Fork Road) in Buchanan County. The bridge is open to traffic; however, motorists should still be alert to flagging operations while crews remove equipment and materials.
Alternate Route 58 bridge rehabilitation: A project to repair the Alternate Route 58 bridge over the Guest River and Norfolk Southern Railroad in the City of Norton is complete.
Route 604 (Walkers Creek Road): A bridge replacement project on Route 604 (Walkers Creek Road) in Bland County is complete
