The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance activities in southwestern Virginia for the week of November 3 to 9, 2025. The report provides motorists with details on ongoing and upcoming projects that may affect travel across the region.
VDOT encourages drivers to exercise caution when passing through work zones and to remain alert for changes in traffic patterns or slow-moving vehicles. For up-to-date traffic information, travelers are advised to call VDOT’s 511 service or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Several interstate projects continue throughout the area. On Interstate 81, bridge rehabilitation is underway southbound near exit 3 in Bristol, with lane closures expected until late 2025. Bridge repairs near exit 45 in Smyth County have resulted in lane closures and a closed southbound on-ramp; this project is scheduled for completion by November 7. Widening work continues between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County on I-81 southbound, along with northbound widening from exit 7 northward, aiming for completion by spring 2026.
Additionally, the City of Bristol is widening portions of Route 11 and both off-ramps at exit 5 to improve safety and traffic flow; this effort includes intersection upgrades and signal improvements with an expected end date of May 2026. In Wythe County, an auxiliary lane is being constructed southbound between exits 73 and 72 on I-81, set for completion by fall 2026.
Interstate maintenance activities will also result in nighttime pothole patching, bridge deck repairs, paving operations, tunnel maintenance at Big Walker Mountain Tunnel (with restrictions for wide loads), as well as super load transports affecting various stretches of I-81 and I-77 from November 3 through November 8.
On primary highways and major secondary roads:
In Bland County, Route 608 (Skydusky Road) remains closed due to a bridge superstructure replacement project scheduled through August 2026.
Buchanan County’s Route 645 (Old Rocklick Road) will be closed for railroad crossing replacement until November 1; Route 700 (Thomas Mountain Road) serves as a detour during this time. Motorists should also note new traffic patterns on Route 460 at Grundy due to Poplar Creek Phase B construction.
Dickenson County has ongoing repairs on the Route 619 bridge over Pound River using temporary signals for one-way traffic control until November next year. Replacement work on the Route 63 bridge in Haysi continues into April 2026.
Scott County’s improvement project at the intersection of Routes 23/58 involves adjustments to signal supports and additional turn lanes; drivers should expect periodic changes until June 2026.
Tazewell County’s Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek is being replaced with width restrictions imposed during construction through September 2026. The Front Street bridge over Clinch River in Richlands remains closed; detours utilize local routes such as Railroad Avenue and Allegheny Street while work proceeds toward an April 2026 finish.
A portion of Washington County’s Route 748 (Clinchburg Road) stays closed because of structural issues with the Salt Trail trestle overhead until further notice.
In Wise County, improvements continue on the East Stone Gap Road bridge over Beaverdam Creek near Clinch Haven Road through next November.
Wythe County features two significant efforts: Progress Park Connector/I-77 Exit 41 construction—including road closures—will connect Nye Road to E. Lee Trinkle Road by late 2026; meanwhile, Crigger Road’s bridge operates under reduced capacity ahead of planned replacement starting October 2026.
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