Catherine McGhee P.E. Chief Deputy Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
Catherine McGhee P.E. Chief Deputy Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly traffic alert for the Bristol District, covering the period from February 24 to March 2, 2025. The update aims to inform motorists about ongoing highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia.
For real-time traffic information, travelers are encouraged to call VDOT’s 511 or visit their website.
Several interstate projects are underway:
- Interstate 81 is undergoing widening between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County. A truck climbing lane project is also active at mile markers in Washington and Smyth counties. Additionally, a deceleration lane extension at exit 81 and roadway improvements between exits 73 and 72 are taking place in Wythe County.
- In Bristol, Route 11 is being widened along with I-81 off-ramps to improve traffic flow.
- Interstate 77 bridge replacement and rehabilitation work is ongoing in Bland County.
Maintenance activities on Interstates 81 and 77 include pothole patching and nighttime inspections. A super load will travel northbound from Bristol to the Virginia/West Virginia state line from February 24 to February 28.
Primary highways and high-traffic secondary roads have several active projects:
- Buchanan County sees continued work on Route 632 due to coal plant expansion, while Poplar Creek Phase A construction impacts Route 460/121 access routes.
- Dickenson County's Route 63 bridge replacement continues in Haysi.
- Grayson County has closures on Route 670 for pipe replacement and slope repairs affecting Route 21.
- Scott County's intersection improvements at Routes 23/58 involve new turn lanes.
- Smyth County faces a closure on Route 800 for drainage repairs until February end, with a roundabout project on Route 11 ongoing.
- Tazewell County begins intersection improvements at Leatherwood Lane and Commerce Drive mid-February.
- Washington County deals with a washout repair on Route 58 near Damascus.
- Wythe County progresses with the Progress Park Connector road construction linked to I-77 Exit 41 improvements.
Motorists should remain vigilant for signs, message boards, detours, temporary signals, lane closures, and changing traffic patterns throughout these areas as construction progresses.
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