The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on May 28 that work is beginning to replace the bridge deck of Interstate 85 southbound over the Roanoke River in Mecklenburg County. Motorists are advised to follow a reduced speed limit of 60 mph as crews begin installing signs and traffic control devices this week, weather permitting.
A long-term shift of southbound traffic onto the northbound side of the bridge will be implemented from late summer until project completion, which is expected by fall 2028. The contract also includes replacing barriers and repairing beams and piers. This section of interstate supports an average daily volume of 14,000 vehicles.
Motorists seeking more information can visit the project page or contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center online or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) with questions or to report hazardous road conditions.
The Virginia Department of Transportation manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems, covering tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia and providing services such as highway maintenance and traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, according to the official website. The agency’s headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond.
VDOT developed from the State Highway Commission established in 1906 through various organizational changes to oversee planning, construction, and maintenance for Virginia’s expanding transportation infrastructure.
