The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on May 15 its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia, covering the period from May 18 to May 24. The department urges motorists to use caution in work zones and stay alert for changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped vehicles.
The update is intended to help drivers plan their travel routes more efficiently by providing detailed information about ongoing projects and potential delays. Motorists are encouraged to call VDOT’s 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov for real-time traffic updates.
Current interstate projects include an extension of the deceleration lane at exit 45 northbound on Interstate 81 in Smyth County, bridge rehabilitation at mile marker 68 in Wythe County, roadway improvements between exits 73 and 72 southbound on I-81, and interchange upgrades at Wytheville involving both I-81 and I-77. Maintenance activities such as bridge deck repairs, pavement marking work, tunnel washing, tree removal operations, super load transports, and paving are also scheduled throughout the week across various counties.
Primary highways and high-traffic secondary roads will see ongoing work including bridge replacements (such as Route 608 Skydusky Road in Bland County), new roundabout construction (Route 83/637 intersection in Dickenson County), safety improvements (Route 19 northbound in Russell County), intersection upgrades (Route 23/58 at Duffield), pipe replacement (Route 23 southbound in Wise County), connector road development near Progress Park industrial site (Wythe County), detours due to bridge closures (Route 671 Crigger Road), as well as several completed projects now open for regular traffic.
According to the official website, the Virginia Department of Transportation manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems with responsibilities that include building, maintaining, and operating roads, bridges, tunnels; providing services like highway maintenance; overseeing land-use permits along state routes; planning; construction oversight; and ensuring a safe transportation system statewide. The agency has its headquarters located at East Broad Street in Richmond.
