The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) issued a traffic alert for the upcoming week, aimed at keeping motorists in southwestern Virginia informed about ongoing highway construction and maintenance projects. This initiative ensures that drivers remain cautious and alert to modifications in traffic patterns, as well as slow-moving or stopped traffic in work zones.
VDOT encourages the public to access real-time traffic updates by calling VDOT’s 511 or visiting their website. The alert system marks new or updated entries to highlight recent changes in construction schedules.
Among the major interstate projects, the widening of Interstate 81 in Washington County stands out. This project consists of broadening lanes in both southbound and northbound directions and is scheduled for completion by November 2025. Additionally, truck climbing lanes are being added, and efforts for various lanes and bridge improvements are underway across several other counties along Interstate 81 and Interstate 77, with completion dates ranging from late 2025 to mid-2026.
For primary highways and high-traffic secondary roads, several notable projects are detailed. For instance, bridge construction on Route 646 in Buchanan County has started and is expected to conclude by October 2025. Similarly, Tazewell County is undergoing bridge replacement work on Front Street, which involves a detour using Route 460 due to the associated road closure.
New initiatives include a pipe replacement on Route 71 in Scott County and the closure of a low water bridge on Route 631 in Smyth County, to be closed from April 28 until May 16 for upgrades.
The ongoing projects reflect a broad effort to enhance transportation infrastructure across southwestern Virginia, aimed at improving traffic flow and ensuring safer travel for motorists.
VDOT continues to remind drivers to pay careful attention to work zone signs and to stay informed about ongoing road conditions.
