The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on May 1 its weekly update regarding highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. The department urges drivers to use caution when traveling through work zones and to be aware of changing traffic patterns and potential delays.
This information is provided to help motorists plan their travel more efficiently. Real-time traffic updates are available by calling VDOT’s 511 service or visiting https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
The latest report highlights several ongoing projects on Interstate 81, including a deceleration lane extension at exit 45 in Smyth County, widening efforts in Washington County, bridge rehabilitation at mile marker 68 in Wythe County, auxiliary lane construction between exits 73 and 72, and improvements at the I-81/77 interchange at Wytheville. Motorists should expect periodic lane closures, shifted traffic patterns, width restrictions, as well as both day and nighttime maintenance activities such as pothole patching and bridge inspections.
Primary highways and secondary roads across Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe counties are also affected by various projects ranging from bridge replacements to roundabout constructions. Notable updates include the closure of Route 608 (Skydusky Road) for a bridge superstructure replacement in Bland County; culvert replacement on Route 1003 (Walnut Street) in Buchanan County; safety improvements on Route 19 northbound in Russell County; intersection upgrades at Route 23/58 in Scott County; new roundabouts under construction in Smyth and Washington counties; progress on the Progress Park Connector/I-77 Exit 41 project connecting Nye Road with E. Lee Trinkle Road; as well as completed work such as the replacement of the Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek in Tazewell County.
According to the official website, the purpose of Virginia Department of Transportation centers on building, maintaining and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges and tunnels to support a safe and efficient transportation system. The agency manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems covering tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia according to its official website. It also provides services like highway maintenance management through systems such as Virginia’s statewide travel information network (Virginia 511), oversees land-use permits along state routes according to its official website, plans major infrastructure developments according to its official website, has evolved since being established by a State Highway Commission formed in 1906 according to its official website, and maintains headquarters at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official website.
The department encourages all travelers through southwestern Virginia during this period—May 4–10—to stay informed about ongoing roadwork for safer journeys.
