Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly traffic alert for the Bristol District, covering highway construction and maintenance projects from February 3 to 9, 2025. This update aims to keep motorists informed about ongoing projects and changes in traffic patterns in southwestern Virginia.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling through work zones and can access real-time traffic information by calling VDOT’s 511 or visiting their website.

Several interstate projects are currently underway. On Interstate 81 in Washington County, a project is progressing to widen both southbound and northbound lanes near exits 10 and 7. Another project involves adding truck climbing lanes on I-81 at specific mile markers in Washington and Smyth counties. In Wythe County, efforts are being made to extend the deceleration lane at exit 81 southbound, along with constructing an auxiliary lane between exits 73 and 72.

In Bristol, Route 11 is undergoing widening as part of improvements to I-81 off-ramps aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety. Bland County sees bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects on Interstate 77, affecting various sections with periodic lane closures expected until late May.

Interstate maintenance activities will cause nighttime lane closures on both I-81 and I-77 due to soil boring, pothole patching, bridge deck repairs, and other routine maintenance tasks across several counties including Washington, Wythe, Bland, Smyth, Bristol City area.

Primary highways also see significant activity. In Buchanan County, a section of Route 632 is closed for relocation related to a coal plant expansion. Construction continues on Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase A with new traffic patterns introduced in Phase B near Grundy.

Other notable works include a bridge replacement project on Route 63 in Dickenson County's Town of Haysi; pipe replacement closing parts of Route 670 in Grayson County; roundabout construction on Route 11 in Smyth County; intersection improvements starting mid-February at Leatherwood Lane and Commerce Drive in Tazewell County; washout repair on Route 58 near Damascus; connector road construction linked to Progress Park industrial site impacting roads around Wytheville; plus bridge rehabilitation over Cripple Creek via Route 619 in Wythe County.

Motorists should remain vigilant for signs indicating detours or changing conditions throughout these regions as work progresses towards completion dates ranging from spring this year through November next year for various projects.