The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia for the period of December 15 to 21, 2025. The department advises motorists to use caution when traveling through work zones and to stay alert for changes in traffic patterns or slow-moving vehicles.
VDOT encourages drivers to check real-time traffic conditions by calling 511 or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov before starting their journeys.
Several major projects are ongoing along Interstate 81, including bridge rehabilitation near exit 3 in Bristol, widening efforts between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County, and improvements at exit 5 where Route 11 is being expanded by the City of Bristol. Additional work includes constructing an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72 in Wythe County. On Interstate 77, a truck climbing lane is under construction northbound from mile marker 30.6 to exit 32 in Wythe County.
Maintenance activities will result in nighttime bridge inspections on I-81 between mile markers 65 and 68 in Wythe County, as well as a super load moving northbound from Bristol to the Virginia/West Virginia state line from December 15–20. On I-77, nighttime bridge deck repairs are scheduled near mile marker 67 and exit 64 northbound, with additional work southbound at mile marker 51 in Bland County.
On primary highways and high-traffic secondary roads, various projects are underway:
– In Bland County, Route 608 (Skydusky Road) remains closed for a bridge superstructure replacement.
– Buchanan County’s Route 460 at Grundy features a new traffic pattern due to ongoing construction.
– Dickenson County has repairs on the Route 619 (Skeetrock Road) bridge over Pound River with temporary signals controlling one-way traffic; Route 63 bridge replacement continues with similar measures.
– Scott County’s intersection improvement project at Route 23/58 in Duffield involves changes to signal supports and new turn lanes.
– Smyth County’s Route 651 (Carriage Road) is closed until December 19 for a bridge replacement; detours are available during this period.
– Tazewell County has paving work on Route 91 causing lane closures; the Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek is being replaced with restricted width during construction; Front Street bridge over Clinch River remains closed for replacement with signed detours provided.
– In Wythe County, the Progress Park Connector/I-77 Exit 41 project continues with road closures affecting Lover’s Lane; improvements also include upgrades at the interchange itself. The Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge faces restrictions ahead of its planned replacement beginning October 2026.
Motorists are reminded that all completion dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
“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,” according to VDOT.
