Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly traffic alert for southwestern Virginia, covering the period from March 24 to March 30, 2025. This update aims to inform motorists about ongoing highway construction and maintenance projects in the region.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed by calling VDOT's 511 or visiting their website for real-time traffic updates. The report includes several new and updated entries since last week.

In Washington County, a project is underway to widen Interstate 81 southbound between exits 10 and 7, with completion expected in November 2025. Additionally, truck climbing lanes are being added on I-81 northbound at mile marker 32.4 and southbound at mile marker 34 in Smyth County.

In Bristol, Route 11 and the I-81 off-ramps at exit 5 are being widened to improve traffic flow and safety, with completion slated for May 2026. Wythe County sees several projects on I-81, including a deceleration lane extension at exit 81 due by October 2025 and an auxiliary lane between exits 73 and 72 expected by fall of that year.

Interstate improvements also continue on I-77 in Wythe County with roadway enhancements from exit 40 to exit 47 anticipated by May next year. In Bland County, bridge replacements on I-77 are scheduled for late this year.

Other counties have various ongoing projects: Buchanan County's Route 632 is closed due to relocation efforts related to a coal preparation plant expansion; Dickenson County is seeing bridge replacement work; Grayson County has pipe replacement operations affecting Route 670; Scott County is undergoing intersection improvements; Smyth County is constructing a roundabout on Route 11; Tazewell County has intersection upgrades involving detours; Washington County deals with washout repairs on Route 58; Wise County addresses safety improvements near Indian Mountain Trade Center; and Wythe County progresses with the Progress Park Connector road project alongside bridge rehabilitation efforts.

VDOT urges drivers to be cautious around work zones, heed traffic signs and message boards, and remain vigilant for changing traffic patterns as these infrastructure developments proceed.