The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects for southwestern Virginia, covering the period from August 11 to 17, 2025. The report details ongoing and upcoming work on interstates and primary highways in the Bristol District.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through work zones and remain alert to changes in traffic patterns as well as slow-moving or stopped traffic. For real-time travel information, VDOT recommends calling 511 or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Several major projects are underway on Interstate 81, including widening southbound lanes between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County, with completion expected by November 2025. In Bristol, the City is working on widening Route 11 and improving I-81 off-ramps at exit 5; this project is scheduled for completion in May 2026. Additional improvements include extending the deceleration lane at exit 81 in Wythe County (completion October 2025) and constructing an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72 (completion fall 2026).
On Interstate 77, bridge replacement over Route 606 at exit 62 in Bland County continues with nighttime lane closures anticipated until late 2025. Construction of a truck climbing lane northbound from mile marker 30.6 to exit 32 in Wythe County is ongoing through June 2026. Ventilation improvements at the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel will cause nighttime delays throughout August; during these hours, both directions of traffic will be escorted through one tube while work occurs.
Maintenance activities will result in various nighttime lane closures along both Interstates. On I-81, repairs are planned between mile markers in Smyth and Washington counties, while a super load will travel northbound from Bristol to the Virginia/West Virginia state line between August 11–16. On I-77, paving operations near mile markers in Bland County may affect travel.
Primary highways across Buchanan, Dickenson, Scott, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties also have active construction projects:
– In Buchanan County: Bridge construction on Route 646 over Left Fork continues until October next year; phases A and B of Route 460/121 Poplar Creek involve new traffic patterns near Grundy.
– In Dickenson County: Repairs on Route 619 bridge over Pound River continue with temporary signals controlling one-way traffic (completion November 2025), while replacement of the Route 63 bridge in Haysi proceeds toward April 2026.
– Scott County’s access management enhancements at Route 23/Hilton Road run through October 2025; intersection improvements at Route 23/58 aim for completion by June 2026.
– Tazewell County features replacement projects for bridges over Cove Creek (with width restrictions) set for September 2026 and Front Street bridge over Clinch River closed with detours until April 2026.
– In Washington County: Crescent Drive will close from East Glade Street to North Glade Street beginning August 11 for bridge replacement work scheduled through August 29.
– Wise County’s safety upgrades at the intersection of Route 23 and Carriage Lane target December next year for completion.
– Wythe County sees continued progress on a connector road linking Nye Road to E. Lee Trinkle Road—supporting access to Progress Park industrial site—and related interchange improvements at I-77 exit 41 are expected by November 2026.
“To help motorists take the guesswork out of travel plans, call VDOT’s 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov for real-time traffic information.”
“When traveling through highway work zones, use caution and be alert to changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped traffic.”
These efforts reflect VDOT’s commitment to maintaining infrastructure safety while keeping travelers informed about disruptions across key corridors.
