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. 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 – Exit 17: Motorists should be alert to work underway to improve Interstate 81 exit 17. The project includes improvements to the exit 17 northbound on and off ramps, improvements to a segment of Route 75, reconstruction and relocation of Gravel Lake Road, lengthening the I-81 southbound on ramp, and relocation of the frontage road located adjacent to the northbound exit 17 off ramp. (Completion: Fall 2022)
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, narrowed lanes, and daytime lane closures in the work zone. 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: This week, be alert to the following lane closures due to maintenance activities:
Interstate 81
– Nighttime bridge deck repairs north and southbound near mile marker 23 near Meadowview in Washington County and northbound near mile marker 9 in Bristol.
– Daytime lane closure southbound between mile marker 75 and exit 72 due to bridge deck repairs.
– 24-hour lane closure Monday through Friday due to bridge deck repairs northbound near exit 72 in Wythe County.
– Daytime lane closure Monday northbound near mile marker 65 due to utility work.
– Daytime pothole patching northbound near mile marker 85 in Wythe County March 9.
– 24-hour lane closure southbound on Interstate 81 southbound at exit 35 due to bridge repairs.
Interstate 77
– Nighttime lane closures northbound at East River Mountain Tunnel Monday night
– 24-hour lane closure Mondays – Fridays due to bridge deck repairs southbound between mile markers 42 and 40 in Wythe County
PRIMARY HIGHWAYS AND HIGH TRAFFIC SECONDARY ROADS:
Bland County
***Route 602 (Spur Branch Road): Due to repairs to the Route 602 (Spur Branch Road) bridge in Bland County, located near the intersection of Route 601 (Little Creek Highway), the bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. – noon daily beginning March 1 and lasting until repairs are complete. (Completion: mid-March 2021)
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 March 2021)
Lee County
Route 58 truck climbing lane at Powell Mountain: A project to add a truck climbing lane to Route 58 at Powell Mountain in Lee County is underway. The project will add a 1,000-foot truck climbing lane to the west side of Powell Mountain, improving safety by providing motorists a safer way to pass trucks along the steep grade. Be alert to periodic delays and watch for workers. (Completion: September 2021)
Route 58 bridge over the Powell River: A new traffic pattern is in place across the Route 58 bridge over the Powell River near Jonesville in Lee County, with traffic now traveling on the newly constructed side of the bridge. Signals are controlling one-way traffic across the bridge. Use caution in this area and allow for slight travel delays. (Completion: fall 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 is closed to traffic and will 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)
