The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on road construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia for August 18-24, 2025. The agency advises motorists to exercise caution in work zones and remain alert to changing traffic patterns.
For real-time travel updates, VDOT recommends using its 511 service or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Major interstate projects include the ongoing widening of Interstate 81 southbound between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County, with completion expected by November 2025. A separate project is underway to widen Route 11 and improve off-ramps at exit 5 in Bristol, scheduled for completion in May 2026. In Wythe County, an extension of the deceleration lane at exit 81 on I-81 southbound is expected to finish by October 2025, while auxiliary lane construction between exits 73 and 72 continues through fall of 2026.
On Interstate 77, a truck climbing lane is being added northbound from mile marker 30.6 to exit 32 in Wythe County with a June 2026 target date. Ventilation improvements are ongoing at the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel (mile markers 47-49) in Bland County; nighttime delays are anticipated as traffic will be escorted through one tube during overnight hours until late August.
Routine maintenance on both interstates includes nighttime bridge repairs, paving operations, painting, pothole patching, and movement of super loads along various stretches between August 18–23.
Primary highways and secondary roads across Buchanan, Dickenson, Scott, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties also have active projects:
In Buchanan County:
– Bridge construction is underway on Route 646 (Guesses Fork Road) over Left Fork.
– Construction continues on Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phases A and B with altered traffic patterns near Grundy.
In Dickenson County:
– Repairs are ongoing for the Route 619 (Skeetrock Road) bridge over Pound River.
– Replacement of the Route 63 bridge in Haysi uses temporary signals for one-way traffic.
Scott County projects include sinkhole repairs on Route 72 north of Midway Road that will restrict traffic until mid-September. Other efforts focus on access management at Route 23/Hilton Road and intersection improvements at Route 23/58 near Duffield.
Tazewell County has new prep-work beginning August 18 for paving along a section of Route 91 through early October. Replacement work continues for bridges over Cove Creek (Route 61) and Clinch River (Front Street), each requiring detours or restricted lanes.
In Washington County’s Glade Spring area, Crescent Drive remains closed until late August due to bridge replacement activities.
Wise County will see new bridge improvements starting September 2 on Route 613 (East Stone Gap Road), with detours posted during construction. Safety upgrades continue at the intersection of Route 23 and Carriage Lane near Indian Mountain Trade Center.
Wythe County’s Progress Park Connector project advances with closures affecting Lover’s Lane; this connector aims to improve industrial site access by November 2026. The county also reports restrictions on the Crigger Road bridge ahead of its planned replacement next year.
“To help motorists take the guesswork out of travel plans, call VDOT’s 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov for real-time traffic information.”
“When traveling through highway work zones, use caution and be alert to changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped traffic.”
