Construction to begin on Route 11/660 roundabout in Smyth County (North side of I-81)

BRISTOL—Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks on intersection improvements at Route 11/660 (Railroad Drive) in Smyth County, located on the north side of Interstate 81. A roundabout will be constructed, replacing the current intersection where traffic is controlled by stop signs. 

Ramirez Contracting, L.L.C. based out of Abingdon, Virginia will be constructing the roundabout. The contract is valued at more than $2.8 million.

Crews will begin setting up the work zone signage next week, weather permitting.

The project will be underway through Summer 2025.

The single-lane roundabout will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and cost less to build and maintain when compared to a traditional intersection.

 A public hearing for the roundabout was held in May 2021.

During construction, motorists can expect periodic delays. This area of Route 11 carries approximately 3,400 vehicles per day.

The improvements to the Route 11/660 intersection are funded through VDOT’s SMART SCALE Program, a statewide prioritization of projects that are scored based on an objective, outcome-based process. The total cost for the project is approximately $3.6 million.

Replacement of the bridge over the railroad between Route 11 and Route 660 is a separate project from the roundabout construction. This fall, VDOT will begin the process of selecting a design-build team to finalize the design, purchase right of way and construct the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025.

Additionally, a second roundabout is planned for the intersection of Route 11/660 on the south side of Interstate 81. It is anticipated that the right-of-way phase of the project will begin this summer and construction will begin Spring 2026.

When approaching a roundabout, vehicles must yield to traffic already in the circle. Drivers should yield, look left, then proceed right into the roundabout if it is clear, then exit at one of the access points of the roundabout. In this instance, there will be three access points from within the roundabout: access to Browns Subdivision Road, to Route 11 toward Adwolfe and to Route 11 toward Marion. Do not stop while within the roundabout.

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