The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia for the period of September 1 to 7, 2025. The agency urges drivers to use caution in work zones and stay alert to changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving vehicles.
Motorists can access real-time traffic information by calling VDOT’s 511 service or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Major ongoing projects include the widening of Interstate 81 southbound between exits 10 and 7 in Washington County, with a northbound section also being expanded from exit 7. This project is expected to be completed by November 2025. In Bristol, Route 11 and I-81 off-ramps at exit 5 are being widened to improve traffic flow and safety, with completion scheduled for May 2026.
In Wythe County, several projects are underway: an extension of the deceleration lane at exit 81 (completion set for October 2025), construction of an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72 (to finish in fall 2026), and a truck climbing lane on I-77 northbound between mile marker 30.6 and exit 32 (expected June 2026). Maintenance activities this week include nighttime paving operations on I-81 southbound near Smyth County and Abingdon, as well as the movement of a super load northbound from Bristol to the Virginia/West Virginia state line from September 1–6.
Other significant roadwork is taking place across primary highways:
In Buchanan County, bridge construction continues on Route 646 over Left Fork in Hurley, with work expected until October 2025. Construction phases A and B of Route 460/121 Poplar Creek have resulted in permanent changes for Route 614 access points via Bull Creek Road (Route 609) and Poplar Creek Road (Route 604).
Dickenson County is seeing repairs to the Route 619 bridge over Pound River using temporary signals through November next year. The replacement of the Route 63 bridge in Haysi will introduce a traffic shift starting September 2; temporary signals are controlling one-way traffic there until April 2026.
Scott County motorists should expect one-way traffic controlled by signals on Route 72 due to sinkhole repairs near Midway Road until mid-September. Improvements continue at intersections along Routes 23/Hilton Road (completion: October next year) and Route 23/58 at Duffield (completion: June 2026).
Tazewell County has prep-work and paving underway along a stretch of Route 91 through early October. The replacement of the Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek restricts width during construction until September 2026, while Front Street bridge replacement over Clinch River has closed that crossing entirely; detours are marked throughout Richlands.
A new project starts September 2 in Wise County for improvements on the East Stone Gap Road bridge over Beaverdam Creek, finishing November 2025.
Wythe County continues building a direct connector road linking Nye Road with E. Lee Trinkle Road as part of efforts to improve access to Progress Park industrial site; portions of Lover’s Lane remain closed for this project through November 2026. Restrictions remain on Crigger Road’s bridge ahead of scheduled replacement next year.
Recently completed projects include Crescent Drive bridge replacement in Glade Spring, Washington County, and intersection safety upgrades at Route 23/Carriage Lane near Indian Mountain Trade Center.
“Be alert to signs and message boards,” VDOT advises travelers across all affected areas.
For more details about current travel conditions or planned detours statewide, visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
