The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects for southwestern Virginia, covering the period from May 12 to May 18, 2025. The information aims to keep motorists informed about ongoing projects that may affect travel plans.
For real-time traffic updates, travelers are encouraged to use VDOT’s 511 service or visit their website.
Among the notable interstate projects is the widening of Interstate 81 in Washington County, with work underway on both northbound and southbound lanes between exits 7 and 10. This project is expected to be completed by November 2025. In Smyth County, efforts continue to add a truck climbing lane on I-81 southbound near mile marker 34, with completion anticipated in June 2025.
In Bristol, improvements at exit 5 of I-81 involve widening portions of Route 11 and enhancing off-ramps to improve traffic flow and safety. This project includes upgrades to intersections and traffic signals and is scheduled for completion in May 2026.
Other significant works include extending the deceleration lane at exit 81 on I-81 southbound in Wythe County, constructing an auxiliary lane between exits 72 and 73, and bridge replacement efforts on I-77 in Bland County.
VDOT also advises drivers about various maintenance activities resulting in day and nighttime mobile lane closures due to pothole patching across several counties along Interstates 81 and 77. Nighttime bridge repairs are ongoing in Washington and Smyth counties as well as roadway sweeping operations in multiple locations.
On primary highways, bridge construction continues on Route 646 over Left Fork in Buchanan County, while bridge replacement efforts proceed on Route 63 in Dickenson County’s Town of Haysi. Additionally, Tazewell County sees progress with a bridge replacement project on Route 680 (Ireson Road), set to close part of the road from May 12 through May 29.
Emergency pavement repairs along Route 80 (Hayters Gap Road) are also highlighted among new projects requiring attention from drivers due to temporary traffic signals reducing traffic to a single lane.
VDOT urges motorists traveling through these areas to remain cautious, pay attention to signs and message boards, and stay alert for any changes in traffic patterns or potential detours caused by construction activities.
