Drivers should expect detouring to Route 11
Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Residency Administrator for Montgomery County David Clarke shared important information with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors during their meeting on July 10 concerning the Interstate 81project in the Salem area of Roanoke County at Exit 137.
Drivers should be aware that bridge work off this exit will require the closure of a lane of I- 81 north for a few days.
“We are going to do a lot of signing for detours,” Clarke said. “It’s going to be like a suggested detour. The problem is, we’re going to try to get as many people off 128 and maybe 118, and maybe use route 11 as possible. You can’t really put them back on at Dixie Caverns, that’s 132.”
The closure is proposed to start Sunday, July 16 through Tuesday, July 18, with workers on the job day and night.
Board of Supervisors’ Chair, Sherri Blevins reminded citizens of the expansion of the Slow Down, Move Over law, which took effect on July 1.
“Currently, that’s any for red, white, blue, or amber flashing lights, we slow down and move over,” Blevins said. “But, as of July 1, that will also include any disabled vehicles with amber flashing emergency lights or flare set up as well, we will need to slow down and move over.”