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.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
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 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 late June 2021.
ROUTE 685 TURN LANE CONSTRUCTION – Turn lane construction on Route 685 (Prices Fork Road) is underway between Route 1145 (Stratford View Drive) and Route 654 (Brooksfield Road). Motorists should expect daily shoulder closures with intermittent lanes closures controlled by flagging forces. Work will be performed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Completion is spring 2021.
ROUTE 603 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Work is underway on Route 603 (North Fork Road). It will be closed for a bridge replacement over Flatwoods Branch from the intersection of Route 713 to .01 miles south of the intersection of Route 647. Route 713 and Route 622 (Reesedale Road) will be utilized as a detour to allow traffic to navigate around the closed area of Route 603. A speed limit reduction of 35 mph will be in place on the detour. Directional signs will be in place to assist the traveling public. Weather permitting, the bridge is expected to be completed in WATERLINE CONSTRUCTION – Construction of a waterline along Route 659 (Vicker Switch Road), Route 719 (Switchback Road), Route 660 (Crab Creek Road), and Route 661 (Chrisman Mill Road) includes shoulder closures and lane closures. The work is expected to be completed in February 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 closed permanently on October 1. The estimated completion date is summer 2021.
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. Installation of construction signs is taking place along with surveys and clearing operations. Work may be conducted within the median and barrier walls are being put in place. Weekday and weekend lane and shoulder closures may be in place for guardrail removal, shoulder wedging and paving. Estimated completion date of the project is summer of 2022.
Weather permitting, drivers can expect a left lane closure on northbound and southbound I-81, 8 p.m. at night until 6 a.m. the following morning from exit 140 to 143.
I-81 at Route 640, a one lane flagging operation will be in place from Route 799 to Route 798 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
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.
The bridge on I-81 northbound at mile marker 114 currently has a restricted width for wide loads of 26 feet or larger.
I-81 PAVING IN PULASKI COUNTY – A project to widen the shoulder and extend an acceleration lane on northbound I-81 at exit 89 has been completed. I-81 southbound work continues. Drivers can expect alternating left and right lane closures between the south end of the Route 644 bridge to the south end of the Route 100 bridge during nighttime hours, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
I-81 PAVING OPERATIONS – Paving operations are being performed throughout the district.
BOTETOURT COUNTY: Alternating lane closures for milling and paving on I-81 southbound in Botetourt County between mile marker 163 and 168, Sunday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting. Speed limit reduction of 60 mph in place.
BOTETOURT COUNTY: Alternating lane closures for milling and paving on I-81 northbound in Botetourt County between mile marker 161.5 and 162.5, Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting.
MONTGOMERY/PULASKI COUNTY: Alternating lane closures for milling and paving on I-81 southbound and northbound in the Dublin area between mile marker 97 and 100, Sunday through Saturday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting. Speed limit reduction of 60 mph in place.
I-81 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81. 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.
I-81 LANE & RAMP CLOSURES FOR PAVING OPERATIONS IN ROANOKE & MONTGOMERY COUNTIES– 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-81 POTHOLE PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will patch potholes along Interstate 81. 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.
INTERSTATE 581
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 LANE & RAMP CLOSURES FOR PAVING AND 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 POTHOLE PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will patch potholes along Interstate 77. Right and left lane closures will be in place along northbound and southbound lanes during daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drivers should watch for moving vehicles and equipment. Expect possible delays.
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 a new traffic signal will be replaced at the intersection. Hollins Road will be widened from Orange Avenue to McDowell Avenue. On Hollins Road and McDowell Avenue, all lanes of traffic will remain open during peak hours, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Single lane closures will be allowed during non-peak hours with flagging operations. Nighttime lane closures may be in place during the week and weekends on Orange Avenue. Estimated completion is fall 2021.
SLOW ROLLS: Between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., lane closures and slow rolls will be in place on Orange Avenue and Hollins Road to realign the traffic lights. Police will stop traffic while wires are pulled and drivers can expect minor delays.
ROANOKE COUNTY
ROUTE 460 PAVING – Paving operations will be performed on Route 460 between Botetourt County line and 220 Alternate. Work will be performed Sunday Night to Friday morning between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers should expect lane closures and flagging operations.
ROUTE 221 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT WITH BOX CULVERT OVER MARTINS CREEK – Work is underway on the existing bridge on Route 221 over Martins Creek for a replacement of a box culvert at the intersection with Route 696 (Martins Creek Rd). A temporary road section will be built first and installed to the north and next to the existing road for maintenance of traffic during removal of the existing bridge and installation of a new box culvert. The speed limit throughout the work zone will be reduced to 35 mph. Estimated completion is fall 2021.
Flagging operations for pipe installation may be in place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily for pipe installation.
ROUTE 115 (PLANTATION ROAD) INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Intersection improvements at Route 115 (Plantation Road) and Route 2023 (Lila Drive) are underway. Alternating lane closures and shoulder closures may be in place northbound and southbound, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Route 115 from the intersection at Gander Way and Route 115 (Plantation Road) to the intersection at Route 11 (Lee Highway) and Route 115 (Plantation Rd.). The work includes the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection. Estimated completion is December 2020.
A lane closure will take place northbound and southbound on Route 115 at separate times during the daytime for signal work.
ROUTE 419 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Construction on a 0.5-mile section of Route 419 (Electric Road) in front of Tanglewood Mall has begun. The project includes improvements to alleviate congestion and provide safer accommodations for bikers and pedestrians. Throughout the life of the project on Route 419, drivers should expect barrels and shoulder closures and nighttime lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Access to some businesses with nighttime hours may be modified at times during construction. For additional information on traffic impacts and “pardon our dust” information, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/Route419tanglewood. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2021.
ROUTE 220 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER BACK CREEK – Work to replace the existing bridge over Back Creek is under construction. There will be right shoulder closures on Route 220 in the north bound lane between Route 715 and Route 676. The bridge is near the intersection of Route 657 (Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive). Weather permitting, there will be right lane closures between the hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Route 220 northbound lane between Route 715 and Route 676. The right, northbound shoulder will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice. Estimated completion is late 2021.
There will be periodic left lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Route 220 northbound and southbound between Route 715 and Route 676.
Northbound traffic has been switched to the new bridge section and the existing northbound bridge will be removed.
The Route 220 crossover at Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive is closed and no left turns will be allowed at this intersection.
EAST MAIN STREET IN SALEM – Work is underway along Route 460 east and westbound lanes, from Brand Avenue to Thompson Memorial Drive in the City of Salem. Installation of water meter valves and boxes, installing sidewalks, curb and gutter, handicap access are in progress. The installation of traffic signals will also be performed. Local traffic can expect flagging operations within the work zone at various times and locations. This work will continue until fall 2020.
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.
ROUTE 221 ROAD UTILITY WORK – MMI will be installing fiber optic along Route 221 from the Roanoke County line to Clover Hill Road and along Clover Hill Road during daytime hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Motorists should expect shoulder or lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent full closures of the highway will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes.
BEDFORD COUNTY
ROUTE 732 CLOSURE – Effective October 22 at 8 a.m., a section of Route 749 (Meadors Spur) is scheduled to be closed. This closure will be located at the intersection of Meadors Spur Road and Whistle Lane on the Diamond Hill side. On the Route 24 side, the road will be closed at 3076 Meadors Spur Road. The road is scheduled to be closed until October 22 at 5 p.m.
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 608 (ALTICE ROAD) BRIDGE CLOSURE – The Route 608 (Altice Road) bridge over the railroad tracks is closed for emergency repairs. The bridge is located about two miles northwest of Moneta. During a routine inspection, some deterioration was discovered in the bridge’s wooden beams. This is expected to be a long-term closure and drivers will need to seek alternate routes. A date to re-open has not been set.
ROUTE 644 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 644 (Lankford Road) is closed for a bridge replacement project over Big Otter River. This closure will be 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 will be in place so drivers should expect delays in travel times and plan accordingly. The project is expected to be completed in November 2020.
ROUTE 122 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER GOOSE CREEK – Work is underway for a bridge replacement project on Route 122 (Moneta Road) over Goose Creek. As part of the project, other improvements include wider paved shoulders, road realignment, wider space between lanes, edge line rumble strips and raised centerline pavement markers, and improving the turning radius from Route 801 onto Route 122 to create better sight distance. The bridge replacement will be performed alongside the existing bridge and once the new bridge is complete, traffic will be switched to the new bridge so the old can be removed. Drivers should expect delays in the area for periodic flagging, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and possible slow rolls for placement of piers. Estimated completion is 2021.
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 will 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.
ROUTE 666 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Work has been underway to replace the Elkton Farm Road Bridge over the railroad tracks near Forest. The bridge is located 0.25 mile from Route 221. Expected completion is in November 2020.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
PAVING OPERATIONS ROUTE 220/ROUTE 11 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – Paving operations are underway on Route 220 and Route 11 between Routes 655 and 662. Work will be performed Sunday nights through Friday mornings, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Drivers should expect alternating lane closures with flagging operations in place.
ROUTE 676 CLOSURE – A section of Route 676 (Parsons Road) over Mill Creek is closed to install a concrete slab span. This structure is located 0.10 miles from Route 796 (Gravel Hill Road) and 1.00 miles from Route 670 (Trinity Road). The road is scheduled to reopen on October 29 at 5 p.m. Drivers should watch signs for updates as the work is weather dependent.
ROUTE 685 BRIDGE REPAIRS OVER CRAIG CREEK – Work is underway to repair the bridge on Route 685 (Ball Park Road) over Craig Creek. This is located near the intersection of Route 615 (Craig Creek Road). Daily traffic impacts will be in place on Route 685 (Ball Park Road) for repairs to the bridge over Craig Creek near the intersection of Route 615 (Craig Creek Road). Work is being performed Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with temporary lane closures and flaggers controlling traffic at various times. Slow rolls may delay traffic attempting to cross the bridge for 10 to 15 minutes periodically while equipment and materials are moved and placed along the bridge. Once timber placement is complete, paving operations will begin during the day with an occasional slow roll to stop traffic.
The completion of the project is expected at the end of October 2020.
UTILITY WORK ROAD AND LANE CLOSURES – Utility work is1 being performed in several areas of the county.
Road closure along Route 658 (Welches Run Road) from Route 460 to Laymantown Road. Outside lane closure on westbound Route 460 between Coyner Springs Road and Welches Run Road involving Jersey barriers for a Roanoke Gas project through October 2020.
Possible road closures on various two-lane roads in British Woods, Ivy Lane, and Orchard Lake subdivisions through October 2020 for Roanoke Gas line renewal project.
CARROLL COUNTY
ROUTE 52 NORTH SPOT IMPROVEMENTS – Work to improve Route 52 North is underway. The work begins .3 miles south of the intersection with Route 770 (Hanging Tree Road) and will end at the intersection of Route 705 (Coon Ridge Road). Work will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Drivers should expect delays due to alternating lane closures and flagging operations and/or temporary lane closures. Estimated completion date is May 2021.
CRAIG COUNTY
ROUTE 643 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 643 (Howard Hanna Road) will close on November 16 for a concrete slab installation over Craigs Creek. This closure is located 0.70 miles from Rte. 615 (Craig Creek Rd.) and 0.65 miles from Dead End. A pedestrian bridge will be installed for the three houses located below the bridge. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed Nov. 19, 2020.
FLOYD COUNTY
ROUTE 705 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 705 (Sower Road) will close on Monday, September 21 for a bridge replacement over Laurel Creek. This closure will be located 3 miles from Route 706 and 0.10 mile from Route 606. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in October 2020.
ROUTE 221 UTILITY WORK – MMI will be installing fiber optic along Route 221 from Poor Farm Road to Cannady School Road, Route 221 from Christiansburg Pike NE to East Oxford Street, on Route 220 from the Town of Floyd to the Carroll County line, and along Route 8 from Galen Lane to East Oxford Street during daytime hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Motorists should expect shoulder or lane closures for travel in both directions. Intermittent full closures of the highway will be required for periods lasting no longer than 15 minutes.
ROUTE 221 BRIDGE WORK – Traffic will be reduced to one lane and a temporary signal installed to control traffic on Route 221 for work on the bridge over Camp Branch. The bridge is located west of Willis near Route 762 (Gardner Road). Drivers should expect short delays and changing traffic patterns in the work zone. Estimated completion is early December 2020.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ROUTE 718 PIGG RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – A section of Route 718 (Colonial Turnpike) is currently 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 will be in place. The road will be closed until November 2021.
ROUTE 602 PAVING OPERATIONS – Paving is underway on Route 602 for north and southbound lanes from mile marker 0 to 1 with a lane closure and flagging operations used to direct traffic in the work zone. The completion date is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2020.
ROUTE 122 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 122 (Booker T Washington Highway) will be under a flagging operation during daytime hours for a bridge replacement project over Blackwater River. The bridge is located between Route 40 and the intersection with Angle Plantation Road. Drivers can expect some delays for flagging during construction of the new bridge, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. A barrier wall will be in place. The project is expected to be completed in November 2020.
GILES COUNTY
None at this time.
HENRY COUNTY
ROUTE 220 BUSINESS & ROUTE 58/220 PIPE REPLACEMENT – Construction is ongoing for an emergency pipe replacement in two locations at Route 220 Business (0.03 mi N. Speedway Road) and Route 58/220 (Greensboro Road and William F. Stone Highway). The project is expected to be completed in November 2020.
ROUTE 57 PAVING OPERATIONS – Spot paving is ongoing at various locations on Route 57. Flagging operations will be in place. Expected completion is Nov. 20, 2020.
ROUTE 220 BUSINESS AND ROUTE 58/220 EMERGENCY PIPE REPLACEMENT- Installation is underway for two emergency pipe replacements on Route 220 Business. The locations of the pipe replacements will be 0.03 mile North Speedway Road and on Route 58/220 at Greensboro Road and William F. Stone Highway). Drivers can expect lane closures at both locations. The completion date is the end of 2020.
ROUTE 220 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS – Construction is underway for safety improvements on Route 220. Alternating lane closures will be in place. Work will include trench widening and the addition of rumble strips and guardrail from Route 1210 (Dyer Street) to the Franklin County line. The completion date is October 2020.
PATRICK COUNTY
ROUTE 661 PAVING OPERATIONS – Paving is scheduled to begin on Route 661 on June 11, for north and southbound lanes from mile marker 5 to 10 with a lane closure and flagging operations used to direct traffic in the work zone. The completion date is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2020.
PULASKI COUNTY
None at this time.
