The following is a list of forecasted highway projects that may impact traffic traveling in the 12-county Salem Transportation District this week. Work schedules and construction project timelines are always subject to change and weather dependent. The Salem District covers Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke counties.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
I-81 NORTHBOUND AT EXIT 105 NEW RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Lane and shoulder closures may be in place near exit 105. Lane closure may be in effect during the week from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Shoulder closures may be in effect at any time during the week. Slow rolls may be performed on I-81 in the north and southbound lanes from mile marker 104 to 106 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Speed limit is reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone. Shoulder closures will remain in place though the duration of the project. Project completion is estimated by June 2022.
A right lane closure will be in place between mile markers 105-104 from 8 p.m. on Sunday June 20, through 5 a.m. on Monday, June 21.
A left lane closure will be in place between mile markers 105-104 from 9 p.m. on Monday, June 21, through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22.
SLOW ROLLS: Slow rolls may be utilized periodically on both the northbound and southbound lanes from mile marker 98-109 for structural steel deliveries and setting beams.
I-81 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AT EXIT 114 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – The bridge replacement of the two Interstate 81 bridges over Route 8, northbound and southbound, is underway. Drivers can expect alternating lane and shoulder closures, northbound and southbound, from mile marker 114 to 115. Exit 114 ramp shoulder closures will be ongoing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Speed limit is reduced to 60 mph in the work zone. Route 8 will have alternating northbound and southbound shoulder and lane closures, day or night, as needed between the I-81 on and off ramps. A temporary traffic signal will direct traffic on Route 8 throughout the duration of the project. Access to all properties will be maintained during construction. Estimated completion is summer 2021.
Nighttime lane closures may be in place periodically on I-81 southbound from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
DMV Notice: The bridge on I-81 northbound at mile marker 114 currently has a restricted width for wide loads of 26 feet or larger.
ROUTE 669 CLOSURE – Route 669 (Fairview Church Road) will be closed for a low water slab replacement between Route 606 (Sidney Church Road) and Route 670 (Dairy Road) through Wednesday, August 11. Detours will be in place and signs will be posted to assist drivers in the area.
ROUTE 11 BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT – Work is underway on Route 11 southbound to replace the bridge deck over the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The bridge is located .4 miles north of the intersection with Route 748 (Big Spring Drive) and .4 mile south of the intersection with Route 603 (North Fork Road). The left lane of both Route 11 north and south is closed with a detour in place until the completion of the project. Once in place, the detour will re-route Route 11 south traffic through the left lane of Route 11 north, limiting each direction to a single lane. The expected completion date is November 2021.
TRAFFIC SWITCH: A new traffic pattern is in place detouring Route 11 southbound traffic through the left lane of Route 11 northbound between the intersections above, limiting each direction to a single lane.
ROUTE 636 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AT SENECA HOLLOW – Work has begun replacing the bridge on Route 636 over the Roanoke River at Seneca Hollow. A road closure is in place from Echo Hills Road to .36 mile south of Route 460. A detour will be in place. The detour will restrict access to Route 460 at Seneca Hollow and will require travelers to enter/exit Route 460 at Friendship Road near Wheeling Hollow. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2021.
40th Annual Shawsville 5K Race – Beginning at 8 a.m. on July 3, 2021, the 40th Annual Shawsville 5K Race will take place. The course will start near the Shawsville Middle School and proceed west along Oldtown Road. At the intersection with Route 460, the runners will swing left and run along the shoulder of 460 until they reach BB&T Bank where they will again turn left onto Stewart Lane. At the top of the hill, the runners will return to Oldtown Road and finish the race just past the school.
ROUTE 685 TURN LANE CONSTRUCTION – Contractors are constructing several turn lane and road improvements on Route 685 (Prices Fork Road) between Route 1145 (Stratford View Drive) and Route 654 (Brooksfield Road). Motorists should expect daily shoulder closures with intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging forces. Current work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but are subject to change as construction progresses. Work is expected to last through summer 2021.
VARIOUS ROADS FOR UTILITY WORK – Utility crews will be working on overhead lines along a general corridor alignment following Route 114 (Peppers Ferry), Route 460 Business (Franklin Street) and Route 11/460 (Roanoke Road). The work zone will span from the Pulaski/Montgomery county line to the Montgomery/Roanoke county line. In addition, various side roads will be impacted by intermittent closures for crossings. Motorists should expect shoulder closures and lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent full closures of the roads will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes. Work hours are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Advance warning for weekend work involving closures of primary highways on weekend mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. will be provided via message boards once scheduled. Work is scheduled to last until fall 2021.
INTERSTATE 81
INTERSTATE 81 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT S-CURVES IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – A project to improve the S-curves along southbound I-81 in Botetourt County between mile markers 167.4 and 169.5 is underway. This project will enhance safety and improve vehicle traction. Work includes repaving the travel lanes, applying new pavement markers and installing underground pavement drains. Nighttime lane closures will be in place and the speed limit will be reduced to 60 mph in the work zone. This project also includes permanently closing and removing the southbound off ramp at exit 167 (Buchanan) to reduce speed differentials, conflict points and lane changes associated with exiting vehicles. Exit 167 is closed permanently. The estimated completion date is summer 2021.
There will be lane closures between mile marker 168 and 170 between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday night through Friday morning.
INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION EXIT 141 TO EXIT 143 – A project to widen the lanes on I-81 in Roanoke in both northbound and southbound directions between Exit 141 to Exit 143 has begun. Work will continue to be conducted within the median and shoulder within the barrier walls. Sound wall installation is underway. Weekday and weekend lane and shoulder closures may be in place. A left lane closure will be in place on I-81 northbound or southbound during nighttime hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while equipment and materials are brought into and out of the median. Estimated completion date of the project is summer 2022.
I-81 PAVING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will pave, patch and repair pavement on various routes. Lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
Montgomery County: Left lane closures will be in place on I-81 northbound from mile marker 130 and the Roanoke County line from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next morning, Sunday night though Friday morning.
I-81 POTHOLE PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will be patching potholes along southbound Interstate 81 in Pulaski and Botetourt Counties. Mobile right and left lane closures will be in place and moving along northbound and southbound lanes during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for moving vehicles and equipment. Expect possible delays.
I-81 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81. Between mile markers 97 and 162, right and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
INTERSTATE 581
I-581/220 EXPRESSWAY PAVING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will pave, patch and repair pavement on various routes. Lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
ROUTE 581 BRIDGE WORK OVER WILLIAMSON ROAD – Work is underway to rehab the bridge on I-581 that crosses over Route 11 (Williamson Road) in Downtown Roanoke. On Route 11 (Williamson Road) drivers can expect intermittent and alternating lane closures between the intersections with Rutherford Avenue and Wells Avenue. Any impacts to I-581 will be minimal. The project is expected to be complete at the end of 2021.
I-581 BRIDGE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 581 between exit 6 and exit 4W and exit 3C to exit 6, northbound and southbound. Right, center and left lane closures may be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Single lane closures may be in place during daytime hours, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays. Estimated completion date is July 2021.
I-581/220 LANE & RAMP CLOSURES FOR PAVING AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS IN ROANOKE COUNTY– Weather permitting, crews will be milling and paving along Interstate 81. Right and left lane closures will be in place along northbound and southbound lanes during nighttime hours. Drivers should expect possible delays.
I-581 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 581. Right, center and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
INTERSTATE 77 (CARROLL COUNTY)
I-77 PAVING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will be performing paving operations along Interstate 77 between mile marker 24 and 0. Right and left lane closures may be in place along northbound and southbound lanes during nighttime hours, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers should watch for moving vehicles and equipment. Expect possible delays.
On June 10, paving will begin on I-77 southbound from mile marker 16 to 14.
I-77 LANE & RAMP CLOSURES FOR MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS IN CARROLL COUNTY– Weather permitting, crews will be milling, paving and performing maintenance along Interstate 77. Right and left lane closures will be in place along northbound and southbound lanes during nighttime hours. Drivers should expect possible delays.
I-77 BRUSH REMOVAL & SHOULDER WORK – Weather permitting, crews will remove and clear brush and work on shoulders and slopes along I-77 northbound and southbound from mile marker 17 to 14 during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. A left lane closure will be in place.
I-77 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 77. Right and left lane closures may be in place northbound or southbound during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
ROANOKE CITY
ROUTE 460 (ORANGE AVENUE) INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Intersection improvements on Orange Avenue and Hollins Road are underway. Turn lanes will be extended on Orange Avenue and the traffic signal will be replaced at the intersection. Hollins Road will be widened from Orange Avenue to McDowell Avenue. Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic at the intersection of Orange and Hollins during daytime hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Estimated completion is October 2021.
TRAFFIC SWITCH: During nighttime hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, the travel lanes of eastbound Route 460 (Orange Avenue) will be resurfaced at the intersection of Hollins Road, east of the intersection with Kimball Avenue and west of the intersection of 11th Street. Drivers should expect various lane closures in the area during this time. Once the resurfacing of eastbound Route 460 is completed, the left lane of eastbound Route 460 and the left lane of westbound Route 460 will both be closed for the reconstruction of the median and turn lanes as well as the median along Hollins Road.
ROANOKE COUNTY
ROUTE 11 & ROUTE 117 INTERSECTION: Pedestrian Improvements – Construction has begun on a pedestrian improvement project on Route 11 (Williamson Road). Work will begin .45 miles south of the intersection with Route 117 (Peters Creek Road) and will end at the intersection. The majority of the construction, phase one and two, will take place during daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The southbound lane of Williamson Road will be closed and traffic will be shifted into the center turn lane. The northbound lane will remain open. In addition, left turns will not be permitted into entrances from both southbound and northbound lanes within the work zone on Williamson Road. This pattern will remain in place through the first two phases of the project. During the third phase of the project, work will be performed with lane closures in place during night hours only, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Shoulder closures will be in place throughout the project with message boards to alert drivers. Expected to be completed in December 2021.
ROUTE 419 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Work for improvements on Route 419/Electric Road between Ogden Road and the Route 220 Expressway at Tanglewood Mall is underway. The work includes constructing a third lane along Southbound Route 419/Electric Road between Ogden Road and the Route 220 Expressway on ramp. There will be crosswalks added with pedestrian signals and modifications to the existing traffic signals. Sidewalks will be constructed along Northbound Route 419 and along Southbound Route 419 between Ogden Road and South Peak Drive. There will be new surface pavement placed and the pavement markings will be redone. The contractor continues to perform storm sewer and waterline pipe installation. Estimated completion is fall 2021.
Daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and nighttime hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. will be in place for possible lane and shoulder closures.
A water main is being installed across Route 419. A single lane closure is in place in the eastbound and westbound lanes during nighttime hours, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Thursdays. Paving of business entrances may occur during these nighttime hours as well.
ROUTE 220 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER BACK CREEK – Work to replace the existing bridge over Back Creek is under construction. The bridge is near the intersection of Route 657 (Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive). There will be periodic left lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Route 220 southbound and northbound between Route 676 and Route 715. Route 220 southbound left shoulder will remain closed during this stage. Southbound traffic is on the newly constructed section of the bridge. The existing southbound bridge is being removed. The Route 220 crossover at Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive is closed and no left turns will be allowed during this stage. Estimated project completion is fall 2021.
LANE CLOSURE: There will be periodic left lane closures on Route 220 south and northbound between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. between Route 676 and Route 715.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CLOSURE – While the Blue Ridge Parkway makes repairs to slope failures, detour signs will detour traffic around the Bent Mountain section of the Parkway. Traffic will be rerouted onto Route 220 south to Route 419 north to Route 221 south. Those traveling north, will use the reverse of this detour. Detour signage will be attached to existing VDOT signage and will be in place through June 2021.
BEDFORD COUNTY
ROUTE 460 S-CURVE REALIGNMENT – Work has begun to realign 1.4 miles of the eastbound lanes of Route 460 in Bedford County near Montvale, about eight miles west of Bedford and approximately 2.3 miles east of Montvale. Eastbound and westbound Route 460 is reduced to one lane. Drivers can expect the speed limit in both directions of Route 460 to be reduced to 45 mph. In addition, there will be alternating long-term, single lane closures on westbound and eastbound Route 460. Message boards will be posted to alert drivers of upcoming lane closures and traffic pattern changes. Completion is expected in summer 2022.
ROUTE 460 CROSSOVER CLOSURE –The median crossover on Route 460 near Montvale located at Route 726 (Wilkerson Mill Road) is closed until summer or fall of 2021. Drivers will not be able to turn left from Wilkerson Mill Road onto westbound Route 460. This will primarily impact Misty Ridge Lane residents. Drivers can still turn right onto eastbound Route 460 and make a U-turn to proceed westbound. Motorists can also use Route 691 (Quarterwood Road) as an alternative route to access westbound Route 460.
ROUTE 460 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS – Construction is underway on a safety improvement project on Route 460 from Route 741 (Beale Trail Road) to Route 689 (Johnson School Road). Lane closures will be in place. This project includes shoulder widening, rumble strips and guardrail replacement or upgrade. Drivers should expect short-term stationary lane closures. The completion date is scheduled for fall 2021.
ROUTE 706 CLOSURE – Effective June 14 at 8 a.m., a section of Route 706 (Bells Mill Road) over Elk Creek will be closed for the installation of a concrete slab span on the bridge. The closure is located 0.20 miles north of US460 (East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike) and 2.32 miles south of Route 668 (Goode Road). The road is scheduled to be closed until June 17 at 4 p.m.
ROUTE 122 UTILITY WORK – MMI will be installing fiber optic along 122 from the Franklin County line to the Town of Bedford line and Route 460 eastbound from the Town of Bedford to Alum Springs Road. This work will be ongoing. Motorists should expect shoulder or lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent slow rolls will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes.
ROUTE 746 CLOSURE OVER GOOSE CREEK – A section of Route 746 (Dickerson Mill Road) is closed to install a superstructure over Goose Creek. The closure is located 0.6 mile south of Route 691 (Robertson Road) and 6 miles north of Route 24. There will be a marked detour in place. The road is scheduled to be closed until December 2021.
ROUTE 644 (LANKFORD MILL ROAD) CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 644 (Lankford Mill Road) remains closed for a bridge replacement project over Big Otter River. This closure is located 0.01 mile east of Route 673 (Benchmark Lane) and 0.50 mile west of Route 675 (Lizard Ridge Road). A nine mile detour remains in place so drivers should expect delays in travel times and plan accordingly. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2021.
ROUTE 622 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Work to replace the bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway on Route 622 (Everett Road) is underway. The bridge is closed. The closure is located 0.48 mile north of Route 1329 (West Crossing Drive) and 1.06 miles south of Route 646 (Gladden Circle). A signed detour will be in place. Drivers traveling from the south end of the bridge will use Route 811 (Thomas Jefferson Road) to Route 221 South (Forest Road) to Route 646 (Gladden Circle) to Route 622 (Everett Road) Drivers traveling north will use Route 646 (Gladden Circle) to Route 221 North (Forest Road) to Route 811 (Thomas Jefferson Road) back to Route 622 (Everett Road). The road is scheduled to be closed until May 2022.
ROUTE 122 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER BIG OTTER RIVER – Construction is underway for a bridge replacement on Route 122 over Big Otter River. The bridge is located from 0.232 mile south of the intersection at Route 640 to 0.072 mile north of the intersection at Route 640. Drivers can expect both lanes of traffic to remain open during most of the bridge’s construction. Occasional short-term lane closures with flagging operations may be in place to construct portions of the new bridge. The completion date is scheduled for June 2022.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
LAYMANTOWN ROAD CLOSED FOR A PIPE REPLACEMENT– Laymantown Road is closed for two pipe replacements between the intersection with Mountain Pass Road and Rainbow Forest Drive. Residents along Laymantown Road in the area of the closure will have access to their homes. All through traffic will need to follow the detour signs around the closure. The road is expected to reopen by Friday, July 2.
ROUTE 220 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN EAGLE ROCK – The project is underway. Flagging operations will be in place on Route 220, north and southbound lanes between Eagle Rock and Iron Gate, seven days per week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 24-hour flagging operations may be in place from May to August 2021. Speed limit is reduced to 45 mph throughout the project and may be reduced to 35 miles per hour just south of Route 622 (Prices Bluff Road) and just north of Route 722 (Chatham Road). No wide loads are permitted through the area. Drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay close attention through the work zone due to curves and minimal site distance. Drivers should watch for signs. Work is estimated to be completed by fall 2021.
FLAGGING OPERATIONS:
On or about June 14, 24-hour a day, 7-days a week flagging operations may be in place throughout the project.
Flagger operations will be in place periodically from Route 43 (Narrow Passage Road) to Route 694 (Gala Loop South), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., until further notice.
CARROLL COUNTY
None at this time.
CRAIG COUNTY
None at this time.
FLOYD COUNTY
ROUTE 758 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – A section of Route 758 (Buffalo Mountain Road) ise closed for a bridge replacement over a branch of Mira Fork. The closure is located 0.20 mile from Route 221 and 2.52 miles from Route 625. The road is scheduled to be closed until July 2.
ROUTE 8 UTILITY WORK – MMI will be installing fiber optic along Route 8 (from the Montgomery County line to the Town of Floyd line). This work will be ongoing. Motorists should expect shoulder or lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent lane closures will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes.
ROUTE 705 CLOSURE – Beginning July 12, Route 705 (Beaver Creek Road) will be closed for pipe work on the bridge over Beaver Creek. The bridge is located 0.40 miles from Route 8 and 2.30 miles from Route 688. A signed detour will be in place. The road is scheduled to reopen on July 30.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ROUTE 723 PIPE REPLACEMENT – Effective June 21 at 8 a.m., a section of Route 723 (Lucy Wade Road) will be closed for pipe replacements. The closure is located 0.4 miles south of Route 803 (Edgewood Road) and 1.1 miles north of Route 619 (Sontag Road). The road is scheduled to be closed until July 30 at 5 p.m.
ROUTE 122 at ROUTE 636 ROUNDABOUT – Crews are constructing a roundabout from 0.161 mile south of Route 636 to 0.090 mile south of Route 636. There will be periodic flagging between 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and possibly after 6 p.m. The scheduled completion date is May 2022.
ROUTE 40 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER THARP CREEK – Work is underway on Route 40 to replace the bridge that crosses over Tharp Creek. The bridge is located .70 miles west of the intersection with Route 788 (Dry Hill Road). The bridge is closed to east and westbound traffic and a detour is in place. The detour will utilize Dry Hill Road (Route 788 and 789) to allow traffic to navigate around the closed area. Detour will be in place night and day until the project is complete. Project has a required completion date of September 2021.
ROUTE 718 PIGG RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – A section of Route 718 (Colonial Turnpike) is closed for a bridge replacement. The bridge is located over the Pigg River, 0.50 mile north of Route 715 (Chestnut Mountain Road) and 1.00 mile south of Route 646 (Doe Run Road). A detour is in place and signs will direct traffic. The road will be closed until December 2021.
GILES COUNTY
RACE TO IMPEDE TRAFFIC – A running/foot race from Cascades to Doe Creek Farm will be held on June 19, 2021 starting at 6:30 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. Routes affected will be Route 714 (Acre of Rocks Road), Route 721 (Mash Run Road), Route 613 (Mountain Pride Road) and Route 700 (Mountain Lake Road).
HENRY COUNTY
None at this time.
PATRICK COUNTY
ROUTE 58 LOVER’S LEAP PROJECT – Construction is underway on the Lover’s Leap area of Route 58. Estimated completion date is May 2026.
PULASKI COUNTY
VARIOUS ROADS FOR UTILITY WORK – Utility crews will be working on overhead lines along a general corridor alignment following Route 11 (Lee Highway) and Route 114 (Peppers Ferry). The work zone will span from the Wythe/Pulaski county line to the Pulaski/Montgomery county line. In addition, various side roads will be impacted by intermittent closures for crossings. Motorists should expect shoulder closures and lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent full closures of the roads will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes. Work hours are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Advance warning for weekend work involving closures of primary highways on weekend mornings from 6 a.m.to 10 a.m. will be provided via message boards once scheduled. Work is scheduled to last until fall 2021.
ROUTE 693 CLOSURE – A section of Route. 693 (Lead Mine Road) is closed for a bridge replacement over Burks Run. The closure is located at Route 613 and 0.15 miles from Route 704. Signs will be posted and a detour will be in place. The road is scheduled to reopen on the evening of June 17, 2021, weather permitting.
