The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia for December 22 to 28, 2025. The department advises motorists to use caution when traveling through work zones and to stay alert for changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped traffic.
For real-time travel information, VDOT recommends calling 511 or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Several interstate projects are ongoing in the region. On Interstate 81 southbound near exit 3 in Bristol, lane closures are expected due to bridge rehabilitation work, with completion scheduled for December 23. In Washington County, a project is underway to widen I-81 southbound between exits 10 and 7, as well as approximately one mile of northbound I-81 from exit 7 northward, with completion set for spring 2026. The City of Bristol is also widening a portion of Route 11 and the I-81 off ramps at exit 5 to improve traffic flow and safety; this includes intersection and signal improvements and is expected to finish by May 2026.
Other notable projects include construction of an auxiliary lane on I-81 southbound between exits 73 and 72 in Wythe County (completion: fall 2026), and a truck climbing lane on I-77 northbound from mile marker 30.6 to exit 32 in Wythe County (completion: June 2026). Maintenance activities will cause various lane closures on both interstates during the week.
On primary highways and secondary roads, several bridge replacements and repairs are ongoing. 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 has introduced a new traffic pattern near Grundy. Dickenson County has two major 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 temporary signals controlling one-way traffic (completion: April 2026).
In Scott County, improvements at the intersection of Route 23/58 at Duffield involve changes to signal supports and additional turn lanes; motorists should expect periodic changes through June 2026.
Tazewell County has paving work causing lane closures on Route 91 until late December. The Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek is being replaced with one-way traffic controlled by signals; a width restriction is in place until September 2026. Replacement of the Front Street bridge over the Clinch River in Richlands requires detours via local streets until April 2026.
Wythe County’s Progress Park Connector project involves constructing a new connector road between Nye Road and E. Lee Trinkle Road, affecting Lover’s Lane which remains closed for the duration of the project through November 2026. Improvements are also ongoing at the I-77 interchange at exit 41.
Additionally, Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge in Wythe County is restricted to one narrow lane with a weight limit; full replacement is scheduled to begin October 2026.
VDOT manages these projects as part of its mission to build, maintain, and operate Virginia’s roads, bridges, and tunnels for safe transportation across one of the nation’s largest state highway systems covering tens of thousands of lane-miles (official website). The agency provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management—including systems like Virginia’s “511”—and oversees land-use permits along state routes (official website). VDOT originated from the State Highway Commission established in 1906 (official website), now operating out of its headquarters at East Broad Street in Richmond (official website).
Motorists are encouraged to remain attentive when driving through work zones and consult VDOT resources for updates.