The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects for southwestern Virginia, covering the period from December 8 to 14, 2025. The report includes ongoing work on interstates and primary highways across several counties.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution in work zones and remain alert to changing traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped vehicles. For up-to-date travel information, VDOT advises drivers to call 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
On Interstate 81, several projects continue. Bridge repairs near exit 29 southbound in Washington County are expected to finish by December 11. Bridge rehabilitation near exit 3 in Bristol will last until late 2025. Widening efforts between exits 10 and 7 southbound, as well as a one-mile northbound stretch from exit 7, are underway with completion targeted for spring 2026. In Bristol, the City is widening Route 11 and both I-81 off ramps at exit 5, aiming for improved traffic flow and safety; this project should conclude by May 2026.
Other I-81 work includes constructing an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72 in Wythe County (completion: fall 2026). On Interstate 77 in Wythe County, a truck climbing lane is being built northbound from mile marker 30.6 to exit 32, scheduled for completion in June 2026.
Maintenance activities on Interstates 81 and 77 will result in periodic lane closures:
– A super load will travel northbound on I-81 from Bristol to the Virginia/West Virginia state line between December 8 and December 13.
– Nighttime bridge deck repairs are planned for I-81 northbound near mile markers 49 and 51 in Smyth County, as well as southbound near exits 47 and 50.
– Tunnel maintenance will occur at Big Walker Mountain Tunnel on I-77 southbound in Bland County; wide loads over twelve feet must stop before entering.
On primary highways:
In Bland County, Route 608 (Skydusky Road) remains closed for bridge superstructure replacement until August 2026.
Buchanan County’s Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase B introduces a new traffic pattern along westbound Route 460 at Grundy during construction.
Dickenson County has two bridge projects: repairs on Route 619 (Skeetrock Road) over Pound River using temporary signals (completion: early 2026), and replacement of the Route 63 bridge in Haysi with one-way traffic controlled by signals through April 2026.
Scott County’s intersection improvement project at Route 23/58 in Duffield involves changes to signal supports and new turn lanes; motorists should expect periodic pattern changes through June 2026.
In Smyth County, Route 651 (Carriage Road) is closed for bridge replacement until December 19 with detours available.
Tazewell County sees paving work on Route 91 continuing through late December between Thompson Valley Road (Route 604) and Little Tumbling Creek Road (Route 607). Replacement of the Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek restricts width to ten feet six inches until September 2026. The Front Street bridge over Clinch River in Richlands is closed for replacement until April 2026; detours are posted via local roads.
Wythe County’s Progress Park Connector/I-77 Exit 41 project continues construction of a new connector road linking Nye Road with E. Lee Trinkle Road—serving Wytheville’s Progress Park industrial site—and improvements at the interchange itself. Lover’s Lane remains partially closed during this project, which is set for completion by November 2026.