Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues to keep commuters updated on ongoing highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. Motorists should exercise caution, stay alert to changes in traffic patterns, and anticipate slow-moving or stopped traffic in work zones.

VDOT encourages drivers to use their 511 service or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov for current traffic information. Notable updates include:

In Washington County, the Interstate 81 widening project is ongoing, affecting traffic between exits 10 and 7, and a truck climbing lane project is near mile marker 32.4.

As per the City of Bristol, there's a Route 11 widening initiative at I-81's exit 5 to improve traffic flow and safety.

In Wythe County, improvements include a deceleration lane extension at I-81's exit 81 and the construction of an auxiliary lane between exits 73 and 72.

Bridge improvements are noted on I-77 near exit 40 in Wythe County and further northbound at exit 62 in Bland County.

Tazewell County will soon commence the replacement of the Front Street bridge in Richlands, affecting the local traffic pattern.

Meanwhile, in Buchanan County, construction on Route 646 over Left Fork and on Route 460/121 is underway.

Significant improvements are scheduled for Route 11 in Smyth County, Route 23/58 in Scott County, and the intersection of Route 23 and Carriage Lane in Wise County.

For full details of these and other projects, VDOT advises checking local signs, message boards, and adhering to caution while driving.