Roundabout construction begins at Starkey Road and Buck Mountain Road intersection in Roanoke County

SALEM — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is beginning a road project to construct a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Route 904 (Starkey Road) and Route 679 (Buck Mountain Road) in Roanoke County. Construction is expected to start in late February or early March and be completed in late spring 2024.

As the road project gets underway, drivers should be aware of a new three-way stop to be implemented in the work zone at the intersection. Stop signs will be in place on each road approaching the intersection. This means drivers on Buck Mountain Road who do not stop currently will be required to while the intersection is under construction.

Throughout the life of the project, flaggers may control traffic between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, so motorists should expect delays. In addition, drivers should also be alert to traffic shifts and changing traffic patterns while the roundabout is under construction.

The new roundabout is expected to be open to traffic sometime this summer. Once the roundabout is open, drivers should still expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic for final paving, additional concrete pouring and pavement marking until the project is finished.

The purpose of the project is to enhance traffic flow, reduce delays and accommodate future growth. Approximately 12,000 vehicles use the intersection at Starkey Road and Buck Mountain Road each day with significant congestion occurring especially during peak travel times. Roundabouts are more efficient and safer than traditional intersections.

VDOT awarded the $3.1 million contract to contractor E.C. Pace from Roanoke in February.

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