The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on construction and maintenance projects affecting southwestern Virginia roads from November 10 to 16, 2025. The agency advises motorists to remain alert for changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped vehicles in work zones.
For real-time updates on traffic conditions, VDOT recommends calling their 511 service or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Several new and ongoing projects are highlighted this week. On Interstate 81 southbound near exit 17 in Washington County, lane closures are expected as bridge repairs proceed with completion targeted for November 20. Bridge rehabilitation continues near exit 3 in Bristol, while a widening project between exits 10 and 7 southbound—and about one mile northbound from exit 7—is underway, aiming for spring 2026 completion.
In Bristol, Route 11 and the I-81 off ramps at exit 5 are being widened by the city to improve traffic flow and safety; these improvements include upgrades to intersections and signals, with a scheduled finish date of May 2026. In Wythe County, an auxiliary lane is being constructed on I-81 southbound between exits 73 and 72 with periodic lane closures through fall of next year.
Interstate maintenance activities will bring daytime brush removal on I-81 between mile markers 57 and 87 in Wythe County. Additionally, super loads will travel along both I-81 northbound from Bristol to the West Virginia state line and I-77 between state lines during the reporting period.
On primary highways, Route 608 (Skydusky Road) remains closed in Bland County due to bridge superstructure replacement until August 2026. In Buchanan County’s Grundy area, motorists should expect a new traffic pattern related to Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase B construction.
Dickenson County has two significant projects: repairs using temporary signals on Route 619 (Skeetrock Road) bridge over Pound River (completion late next year), and a replacement project for the Route 63 bridge in Haysi set to finish April 2026.
A pipe replacement will close part of Route 97 (Pipers Gap Road) in Grayson County on November 13; drivers must use alternative routes that day.
Scott County is making intersection improvements at Route 23/58 in Duffield—including changes to signal supports and new turn lanes—expected to be complete by June 2026.
In Tazewell County, one-way traffic is controlled by signals at the site of Route 61’s bridge replacement over Cove Creek until September 2026; width restrictions apply during construction. The Front Street bridge over Clinch River is also being replaced—requiring detours via local streets until April 2026.
Washington County reports that part of Route 748 (Clinchburg Road) remains closed because of structural issues with the Salt Trail trestle overhead.
Wytheville’s Progress Park industrial site will gain direct access thanks to ongoing work on a connector road linking Nye Road and E. Lee Trinkle Road; Lover’s Lane remains partially closed during this project through November 2026. Also in Wythe County, the Crigger Road bridge is limited to one narrow lane with weight restrictions pending its planned replacement beginning October 2026.
VDOT notes that railroad crossing improvements have been completed on Old Rocklick Road (Route 645) in Buchanan County.
