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January 17, 2025

RoadWatch: January 17 - 24, 2025

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The following is a list of forecasted highway projects that may impact traffic traveling in the 12-county Salem Transportation District this week. Work schedules and construction project timelines are always subject to change and weather dependent. New information is noted by "NEW" and updates are noted when a current project has had an update added to the listing. The Salem District covers Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.

TRAFFIC ALERTS:

511: For the most current traffic and road work information, call 511, download the 511 App or visit 511virginia.org.
TWITTER: You can also follow 511 Twitter feeds for the southwest area of Virginia at @511southwestva or follow @VaDOTSalem on Twitter.
FACEBOOK: Join our Facebook community group page at facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem for traffic and general information on projects in the Salem District area.
On the 511 website, drivers can also sign up to receive personalized traffic alerts, view traffic cameras or download the free Android or iPhone mobile app.

ROAD MAINTENANCE: VDOT performs the following activities as part of routine maintenance on roadways throughout the district. To submit a work order request for road repairs or assistance, contact our customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or submit online at www.virginiadot.org.

PAVING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will pave, patch and repair pavement on various routes. Lane closures may be in place and flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
SURFACE TREATMENT OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will begin surface treatment operations on various routes. Lane closures may be in place and flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays. The road surface may be rough for a several weeks after surface treatment is applied. Once it packs down, the road surface will be brushed and return to a more smooth surface.
PAVEMENT MARKINGS – Pavement marking operations will be performed district wide, in various counties on secondary routes. These will be mobile operations with lane closures, as they proceed through each county. Motorists should use caution and follow mobile signs for direction.
DITCHING, GRADING, SLOPE AND SHOULDER REPAIRS – Lane closures may be in place during daylight hours for shoulder repairs. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
PIPE REPLACEMENTS – Crews will be working on various secondary roads to replace pipes under the roadway with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary roads where drainage issues are present with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
MOWING, TREE TRIMMING AND BRUSH REMOVAL (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Crews will mow on secondary routes during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for lane and/or shoulder closures.
UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
GUARDRAIL REPAIRS - Lane closures may be in place for guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PAVING INFORMATION: VDOT now offers coverage of tracking paving progress statewide, which allows community members and stakeholders to view specific locations slated for paving and individual details of each project. Paving season typically extends from April to November and the map is updated weekly to detail exactly where paving projects are planned, ongoing and show how they’re to give residents and travelers a tool to use to best plan for travel and stay safe near these work zones. Drivers can get specific information about the status of paving projects at the Virginia Roads Paving Map or www.virginiaroads.org.

INTERSTATE 81

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – The $179 million design-build project to widen both directions of I-81 between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 from two to three lanes is underway. Work is being performed along a five-mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. Barrier wall is in place along the shoulders. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction are expected to remain open during the project with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed. Drivers can expect the following lane closures and upcoming traffic impacts in this area on northbound and southbound I-81:

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

LANE CLOSURES: Alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, are possible. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet. Nightly lane closures may be in place along the right lane with possible nightly ramp narrows as needed for guardrail and shoulder strengthening.
- LANE CLOSURES scheduled as follows:
- Tuesday, January 7 – Northbound left lane closure from mile marker 147.5-148.74.
- Wednesday, January 8 – Northbound right lane closure from mile marker 147.5-148.74.
- Thursday, January 9 – Northbound right and left lane closures from mile marker 147.5-148.74.
FLAGGING OPERATIONS: Flagging operations possible on Route 635 and Route 619.
UNEVEN PAVEMENT: Drivers may experience some uneven pavement and/or rough surface throughout the project.
TRAFFIC SHIFTS: Drivers may experience periodic lane closures, narrow ramps or quick merges into traffic onto Thompson Memorial Drive from the southbound or northbound exit ramps of exit 140 off of I-81. Work zone located at bottom of the ramp for work on the I-81 bridge at the underpass.
TRAFFIC SHIFTS ON WILDWOOD ROAD: Expect a work zone with traffic shifts and narrow width on Wildwood Road after exiting I-81 southbound on exit 137 heading towards Salem. Southbound and northbound I-81 exit and entrance ramp narrows are possible at Route 311.
WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Narrow spacing in lanes due to barrier walls, lack of shoulders and lane shifts in various locations, are present.

The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges, installing approximately 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along northbound I-81, improving the southbound exit 137 off-ramp intersection at Wildwood Road and adding interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141. Expected completion in early 2026.

(UPDATED 1-17-25) I-81 NB & SB DECK OVERLAY AT PEAK CREEK MILE MARKER 95.7 - Repair work is underway on the northbound and southbound bridges on I-81 over Peak Creek near mile marker 95.7. This repair work will require nighttime single lane closures for the duration of the project. Lane closures may occur nightly from Sunday night through Friday mornings between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. For the deck overlay process, lane closures may be in place between Sunday nights through Friday mornings. For the southbound lanes these will occur between the hours of 7pm and 10am, and for the northbound lanes between the hours of 6pm through 9am. Details on these closures will be listed below on a weekly basis. Estimated completion is February 2025.

Deck work postponed for next eight weeks due to cold weather. Alternating nighttime northbound and southbound left and right lane closures may or may not be in place from mile marker 96 to 94 during the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. while other work on the project continues.

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * I-81 NORTHBOUND AT EXIT 105 NEW RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Traffic on northbound I-81 has been switched onto the newly constructed bridge over the New River at the Montgomery/Pulaski County line. Lane and shoulder closures may be in place near exit 105. Lane closure may be in effect during the week from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Shoulder closures may be in effect at any time during the week. Slow rolls may be performed on I-81 in the north and southbound lanes from mile marker 98 to 109. Speed limit is reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone. Shoulder closures will remain in place though the duration of the project.

LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime left lane closures are scheduled Monday, January 6 through Wednesday, January 10, on I-81 northbound between mile markers 104-106 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
ROUTE 605: Alternating lane closures and flagging operations may be present on Route 605, located under the New River Bridge, for paving operations and work overhead on the bridge.
SLOW ROLLS: Slow rolls may be utilized periodically on both the northbound and southbound lanes from mile marker 98-109 for structural steel deliveries and setting beams.

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * I-81 IMPROVEMENTS FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 151 – Periodic lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on northbound and southbound I-81 for survey and preparation work for an upcoming widening project along I-81.

(UPDATED 1-3-25) * I-81 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81 between mile markers 170 to 89, right and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

INTERSTATE 581
(UPDATED 12-20-24) * I-581 PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, beginning August 18, crews will perform paving and patching operations. Lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound, Sunday through Thursday, during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

INTERSTATE 77 (CARROLL COUNTY)

(UPDATED 12-20-24) * I-77 PAVING & PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will perform paving and patching operations on Interstate I-77. Right, left and center lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound, Monday through Friday, during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

(UPDATED 12-20-24) * I-77 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will perform paving operations on Interstate 77. Right and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

ROANOKE CITY
None to report.

ROANOKE COUNTY
(UPDATED 1-17-25) * APPALACHIAN TRAIL BRIDGE OVER ROUTE 311 – A new pedestrian bridge is under construction over Route 311 at McAfee Knob trailhead. The trailhead parking lot is currently closed and will remain closed during construction. Flagging operations may be in place daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Occasional slow rolls during nighttime hours are possible. Alternate areas for parking and updates on the shuttle can be found by calling 540-387-5588 or visiting the shuttle website at www.roanokecountyva.gov/McAfeeShuttle. Expected completion is winter 2025.

(UPDATED 1-3-25) * BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CLOSURES IN ROANOKE AREA - Blue Ridge Parkway may be repairing roads in our area that require road closures and flagging operations and detours may be in place. Visit their website at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm for more information.

(UPDATED 7-19-24) * MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE – The Mountain Valley Pipeline construction project is underway. Temporary intermittent flagging operations will be in place in the county throughout the project to load/unload equipment at crossings and construction entrances. Scheduled completion is January 2025.

BEDFORD COUNTY

(NEW 1-17-25) * ROUTE 639 CLOSURE – Effective Monday, January 27, a section of Route 639 (Hurricane Drive) will be closed for a slab installation. The structure is located 3.09 miles north of Route 643 (Otterville Road) and 0.17 mile south of Route 122 (Big Island Highway). Work is scheduled for completion in March 2025.

BOTETOURT COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * ROUTE 220 AND INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY/ASHLEY WAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS - Work is underway on a road construction project to improve traffic flow and safety by converting the intersection at Route 220 and Route 839/Route 1126 (International Parkway/Ashley Way) to a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT). Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025. Drivers can expect the following traffic pattern changes at the intersection of Route 220 and International Parkway/Ashley Way:

TRAFFIC SWITCH:
- The left lane of southbound Route 220 is closed and will remain closed until later this year. In addition, northbound Route 220 traffic will remain reduced to one lane but will be shifted into the right lane. A 45 mph work zone speed limit will go into effect on southbound Route 220 and remain in effect on northbound Route 220.
- In addition, the traffic pattern changed on Ashley Way and International Parkway. Drivers will not be able to turn left from Ashley Way onto southbound Route 220 or turn left from International Parkway onto northbound Route 220. Motorists who normally turn left can turn right and proceed to make a U-turn on Route 220 using an available crossover.
- An alternative route is available for International Parkway traffic that normally turns left onto northbound Route 220. Those drivers can turn right on southbound Route 220, turn left onto Route 673 (Greenfield Street) and then turn left onto Route 670 (Trinity Road) to return to northbound Route 220.
Drivers who use the Route 839 (International Parkway) and Route 220 intersection can expect changes on weekdays during daytime hours. The change will affect drivers who turn right from Route 220 southbound into International Parkway or turn right from International Parkway onto southbound Route 220.The dual right turn lanes that are currently in place may be reduced to a single lane between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays until late July. Drivers should expect possible delays and pay attention to traffic control devices.
Northbound Route 220 approaching the intersection will be reduced to one lane. Drivers on northbound Route 220 will still be able to turn left onto International Parkway and right onto Ashley Way.
The crossover located 0.2 mile south of the intersection will be closed.
Vehicles from Ashley Way will use a single lane to go straight or to turn left or right onto Route 220.
Speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the work zone.

Throughout the life of the project, drivers can expect lane closures on Route 220 and traffic pattern changes at the intersection. Starting in July, drivers who normally turn left from Ashley Way onto southbound Route 220 or turn left from International Parkway onto northbound Route 220 will have to turn right and proceed to make a U-turn using an available crossover. Estimated completion is summer 20251

(UPDATED 1-10-25) * CRAIG BOTETOURT SCENIC TRAIL BRUSH CUTTING AND STABILIZATION WORK - Residents along the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Craig Valley Branch railbed in Botetourt and Craig counties may notice maintenance work continuing on the old railbed starting in mid-November. These activities are intended to prevent additional deterioration and to help designers who are developing plans for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail. VDOT continues to collect data and conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The cost estimate for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail is still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined. VDOT plans to hold public hearings on the project in 2025. The hearing dates have not yet been announced.

CARROLL COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-3-25) * ROUTE 620 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS – A safety improvement project on Route 620 is scheduled to begin on January 6, 2025 from 0.1 mile south of Route 707 to 0.1 mile north of Route 707. Flagging operations may be in place during daytime hours and drivers should use caution in the work zone. Watch for message board updates. The expected completion date is scheduled for June 2025.

(NEW 1-17-25) * ROUTE 764 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Beginning January 27, Route 764 (Panther Creek Road) will be closed for a bridge replacement project over Greasy Creek. The bridge is located 2.8 miles from the Pulaski County line and 0.05 mile north of Route 765. A detour will be in place for the duration of the bridge replacement. The scheduled completion date is September 2025.

CRAIG COUNTY

FLOYD COUNTY

None at this time.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
(UPDATED 1-3-25) * CONNECTOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION CLOSES BRICK CHURCH ROAD - During the week of November 11, drivers who use the intersection of Route 697 (Brick Church Road) and Route 220 (Virgil Goode Highway) in the Wirtz area of Franklin County began to reroute due to a project to build a new connector road.

Brick Church Road will be closed to through traffic starting just east of its intersection with Route 696 (Pleasant Breeze Drive). Drivers heading east on Brick Church Road toward Route 220 will need to use Pleasant Breeze Drive to access southbound Route 220.
Southbound Route 220 drivers who normally turn onto Brick Church Road will need turn at Pleasant Breeze Drive to return to Brick Church Road if they are heading to destinations west of Pleasant Breeze Drive. Local traffic will still be able use the section of Brick Church Road between Route 220 and Pleasant Breeze Drive to access homes and businesses.
During construction, flaggers will control traffic at times and a temporary signal will be installed at the intersection of Brick Church Road and Pleasant Breeze Drive, so drivers should expect possible delays and use caution in the work zone. Motorists should pay attention to signs and electronic message boards.

These traffic changes will begin during road construction and will remain in place once a new 0.4-mile section of roadway is built to connect Brick Church Road and Commonwealth Parkway. As part of the project, a new cul-de-sac will be constructed on Brick Church Road just east of its intersection with Pleasant Breeze Drive. The road project is being administered by Franklin County and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * ROUTE 705 CLOSURE FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT - Effective Monday, January 27, 2025, a section of Route 705 (Chestnut Hill Road) will be closed for a pipe replacement. The structure is located 0.32 mile south of Route 714 (Washboard Road) and 1.46 miles north of Route 954 (Ball Park Road). Drivers can detour around the closure by using Route 40 to Rocky Mount and then taking southbound Route 220 to Route 631 (Doe Run Road) to return to Chestnut Hill Road. Work is scheduled for completion by Friday, March 2025.

GILES COUNTY

HENRY COUNTY

None at this time.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

PATRICK COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-17-25) * ROUTE 58 LOVER’S LEAP PROJECT – Construction is underway on Lover’s Leap area of Route 58. Current work includes clearing and grading activities on the west and east portions of the project. A 45-mph speed reduction is in place on Route 58 for the entire length of the project. Drivers should expect flagging operations during day and nighttime hours. Message boards are in place to alert traffic and drivers should expect delays. Estimated completion date is Summer 2026.

TRAFFIC SHIFT: A traffic shift is in place approximately 1.5 miles east of Lovers Leap Overlook and 1.5 miles west of Route 640 (Central Academy Road). Drivers should expect this shift to remain in place through the end of 2025.
ROUTE 640 EXTENDED CLOSURE - The section of Route 640 (Central Academy Road) between Route 58 and Route 621 (Community Church Lane/Bouldin Church Lane) will be closed to through traffic starting (updated date) September 30. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately three months and be removed before the end of the year. Drivers can detour around the closure using Route 8. The existing road elevation along this section of Route 640 will be raised approximately ten feet as part of the ongoing road construction project to widen Route 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain.
TRAFFIC PATTERN – The new traffic pattern on a 0.4-mile section of RT 58, 1.8 miles east of Cloudbreak Road, is in place. Traffic in a curve on the road widening project is using a straighter section of Route 58 with a shoulder. This slight shift will remain in place until further notice. Flaggers may be in place.
TRUCK ESCAPE RAMP CLOSURE: The escape ramp located 2.9 miles east of the Lovers Leap Overlook/Fred Clifton Park and 1.1 miles east of Dehart Botanical Gardens has been permanently closed. Please be aware of brake check points along Route 58 and check your brakes frequently. A brake check point is located 0.6 miles east of Route 610 (Cloudbreak Road) near Poor Farmer’s Farm. All trucks MUST check their brakes prior to traveling down the mountain.
BLASTING NOTICE: Blasting operations are underway on the project. Intermittent blasting will be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and continue at various locations on the project through summer 2025. For blasting that is close to Route 58, traffic in both directions may be blocked for approximately 15-20 minutes at a time. Drive and residents along the Route 58 corridor should expect loud noise and allow extra travel time. Electronic message boards will be used to inform drivers of scheduled blasting that will impact traffic.
DETOUR SIGNS: While detour signs in a fluorescent pink color are in place, these do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. The signed detour route is suitable for all traffic during incidents including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These signs are used for incident detours only.

(NEW 5-31-24) * ROUTE 57 UTILITY WORK – Route 57 may have lane and shoulder closures in place for utility work by Comcast along Route 57 from Route 8 to Route 701. The work is expected to continue for 90 days or end of August 2024.

PULASKI COUNTY

None at this time.

Last updated: February 18, 2025

RoadWatch: January 17 - 24, 2025

Jen Ward