Stephen C. Brich, P.E. Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
Stephen C. Brich, P.E. Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly traffic update for southwestern Virginia, covering the period from April 7 to April 13, 2025. The agency provides details on highway construction and maintenance projects aimed at keeping motorists informed and safe.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling through work zones due to potential changes in traffic patterns and the presence of slow-moving or stopped traffic. For real-time updates, VDOT encourages travelers to use the 511 service or visit their traffic information website.
In Washington County, the Interstate 81 widening project will result in temporary delays due to blasting work in the median. Virginia State Police will manage a rolling roadblock between exits 13 and 7 at approximately 1 p.m. on April 8. The project aims to widen both northbound and southbound paths of I-81 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. A separate project on Interstate 81 in Washington and Smyth counties involves adding truck climbing lanes, with temporary lane closures anticipated.
Other projects affecting I-81 include the widening of Route 11 at exit 5 in Bristol, a deceleration lane extension at exit 81 in Wythe County, and various roadway improvements across Wythe County slated for completion by 2026. Additionally, Bland County is witnessing northbound bridge replacement efforts at the I-77 bridge over Route 606 and bridge rehabilitation over Route 52, with expected completion dates by late 2025.
Non-interstate activities include bridge construction on Route 646 in Buchanan County, a bridge replacement project in Dickenson County, and intersection improvements on Route 23/58 in Scott County. Smyth County faces changes with a roundabout construction on Route 11, while in Tazewell County, the Front Street bridge replacement in Richlands is due to start soon with a scheduled bridge closure on April 14.
Washington County is contending with a Route 58 washout in the Damascus area, and improvements in Wythe County involve the Progress Park Connector/I-77 exit 41 project, affecting various roads and ramps, including Lover's Lane.
VDOT continues to update travelers on lane closures caused by interstate maintenance activities across I-81 and I-77. These activities include pothole patching and bridge repairs in Washington, Smyth, Wythe, Bland, and nearby counties.
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