BRISTOL – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its weekly update on highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in work zones and be alert to changes in traffic patterns.
VDOT offers real-time traffic information through its 511 service, accessible by phone or online at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
The following updates have been provided for interstate projects:
– On Interstate 81 in Washington County, a widening project is underway between exits 10 and 7 southbound and approximately one mile northbound from exit 7. A temporary closure of the I-81 southbound exit 10 on-ramp is scheduled from July 15 at 10 p.m. to July 16 at 6 a.m. Completion is expected by November 2025.
– In Bristol, Route 11 and the I-81 off-ramps at exit 5 are being widened, with improvements to intersections and traffic signals included. The completion date is set for May 2026.
– Wythe County’s Interstate 81 deceleration lane extension project at exit 81 southbound will continue until October 2025.
Additional projects include bridge replacements on Interstate 77 in Bland County and various maintenance activities across both Interstates 81 and 77.
Primary highways also have ongoing construction efforts:
In Buchanan County, work continues on the Route 646 bridge over Left Fork, with completion anticipated by October 2025. Projects on Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phases A and B involve significant changes to local access routes.
Dickenson County sees bridge repairs on Route 619 over Pound River, managed by temporary traffic signals until November of this year.
Scott County motorists should be cautious around improvements at the intersection of Routes 23/58 near Duffield, which will include new turn lanes.
Several other counties such as Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe have active roadwork that requires attention to signage due to potential detours or altered traffic patterns. For instance, sinkhole repair on Route 58 in Washington County begins July14 with completion projected for July21.
Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant when traveling through these areas as construction continues across multiple sites with varying timelines for completion.
