INTERSTATE 81
INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSION AT EXIT 162 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – This ramp extension project is underway and as part of the project, the on-ramp from Route 11 onto northbound 81 was previously closed but is now back open. This project will extend the on-ramp onto northbound I-81 about 1,000 feet. The project also includes installing drainage structures and constructing a retaining wall alongside the slope. As work progresses, additional ramp and lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours. During construction, barrier wall will be installed along the right shoulder of northbound I-81 at exit 162. Electronic message boards will alert drivers to the upcoming ramp closure and announce any schedule changes. Work is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.
LANE CLOSURES:
Weather permitting, alternating northbound and southbound lane closures for drainage improvements will be in place on Route 11 in Buchanan between I-81 and the Exxon station next to the northbound off ramp at exit 162.
Drivers can expect nighttime right and left lane closures in place on I-81. Drivers use caution in the area of the work zone.
INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE WORK AT EXIT 156 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – Bridge work is underway on northbound and southbound I-81 at Exit 156. Milling and paving the bridge deck will take place in both directions beginning with the northbound side first and then southbound once northbound is completed. Drivers can expect lane closures on I-81 during nighttime hours. Slow roll operations are expected periodically and flagging operations will be used during barrier wall placement on Route 640 (Brughs Mill Road). Expected completion is fall 2026.
Temporary traffic barrier in place on westbound side of Route 640 under the I-81 bridges off exit 156 with lanes narrowed to 11 feet.
Nighttime outside and inside lane closures may be in place on I-81 from mile marker 155 to 157, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSIONS AT MILE MARKER 94 IN PULASKI COUNTY AND 105 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Work is underway on the extension of two acceleration lanes on I-81. The first one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound at mile marker 94, the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound. The second one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 northbound at mile marker 105 in Montgomery County. Scheduled completion date for both projects is summer 2026. During construction, drivers can expect:
LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime lane closures northbound and southbound from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., the following morning, Sunday through Thursday.
Shoulder closures throughout the work zone area.
Ramp closures are possible.
Narrowed or shifted ramps during nighttime hours.
INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – The $179 million design-build project to widen both directions of I-81 between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 from two to three lanes is underway. Work is being performed along a five-mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. Barrier wall is in place along the shoulders. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction are expected to remain open during the project with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed. Drivers can expect the following lane closures and upcoming traffic impacts in this area on northbound and southbound I-81:
LANE CLOSURES: Alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, are possible. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet. Nightly lane closures may be in place along the right lane with possible nightly ramp narrows as needed for guardrail and shoulder strengthening.
RAMP CLOSURES: Ramp closure of exit 137 and 140 on and off ramps onto southbound I-81 in Salem possible, 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Watch message boards for updates.
FLAGGING OPERATIONS: Flagging operations possible on Route 635 and Route 619.
UNEVEN PAVEMENT: Drivers may experience some uneven pavement and/or rough surface throughout the project.
TRAFFIC SHIFTS AT I-81 EXIT 140: Drivers may experience periodic lane closures, narrow ramps or quick merges into traffic onto Thompson Memorial Drive from the southbound or northbound exit ramps of exit 140 off of I-81. Work zone located at bottom of the ramp for work on the I-81 bridge at the underpass.
TRAFFIC SHIFTS ON WILDWOOD ROAD: Expect a work zone with traffic shifts and narrow width on Wildwood Road after exiting I-81 southbound on exit 137 heading towards Salem. Southbound and northbound I-81 exit 137 and entrance ramp narrows are possible at Route 311.
WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Narrow spacing in lanes due to barrier walls, lack of shoulders and lane shifts in various locations, are present.
The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges, installing approximately 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along northbound I-81, improving the southbound exit 137 off-ramp intersection at Wildwood Road and adding interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141. Expected completion in summer 2026.
I-81 WIDENING FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 150 – The I-81 widening project is underway with survey and preparation work. Shoulder strengthening work will require northbound and southbound lane closures during nighttime hours. Barrier wall installation is possible in late fall or early winter. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.
PARK AND RIDE AT EXIT 150 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY: Drilling operations with shoulder closures on Route 220 (Roanoke Road) north and southbound. A few parking spaces in the park and ride lot at exit 150 will be barreled off for the drilling operation.
TRAFFIC SHIFT: Southbound traffic is shifted to the right shoulder from exit 150 in Botetourt County to exit 146 in Roanoke County.
LANE CLOSURES: Periodic right and left lane and shoulder closures in place during nighttime hours 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on northbound and southbound I-81.
RAMPS – Ramps on I-81, northbound and southbound, may be narrowed at exit 150, 146 and 143.
BARRIER WALLS: Drivers will see barrier walls in place throughout the project.
SHOULDER CLOSURES: Shoulder closures in place with additional barrier wall to be installed next year.
WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Speed reminders are posted for drivers.
‘PINK’ DETOUR SIGNS: While pink detour signs are in place on I-81 and routes around the project such as Route 11 and Plantation Road, these do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. The signed detour route is suitable for all traffic during incidents including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These signs are used for traffic incident detours only.
I-81 NORTHBOUND AT EXIT 105 NEW RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Traffic on northbound I-81 has been switched onto the newly constructed bridge over the New River at the Montgomery/Pulaski County line. 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 98 to 109. 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.
LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime right and left lane closures may be in place on I-81 northbound or southbound between mile marker 106 and 104 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
ROUTE 605: Alternating lane closures and flagging operations may be present on Route 605, located under the New River Bridge, for paving operations and work overhead on the bridge.
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 DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81 between mile markers 170 to 89, 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 work zone areas. Delays are possible.
INTERSTATE 581
INTERSTATE 581 EXIT 2N AT PETERS CREEK ROAD – Work is underway on this $4 million project to re-align and signalize the exit 2N ramp from northbound I-581 to northbound Peters Creek Road, eliminating the current merge ramp and making it easier for drivers to access Valleypointe Parkway. One lane each direction will remain open during work. During spring and summer 2026, the current exit ramp will be narrowed as construction begins on the new exit ramp. Construction is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.
LANE CLOSURES: Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Peters Creek Road northbound and southbound in the city of Roanoke between Valleypointe Parkway and Thirlane Road NW through mid-March.
I-581 PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will perform paving and patching operations. Lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound, Sunday through Thursday, during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
ROANOKE COUNTY
ROUTE 419 (ELECTRIC ROAD) – Drivers should expect daytime right lane and shoulder closures along northbound Route 419 (Electric Road) for utility work between Cordel Drive and Stoneybrook Drive through March 2026. Delays are possible.
ROUTE 221 (BENT MOUNTAIN ROAD) UTILITY WORK – Drivers should expect daytime flagging along Route 221 (Bent Mountain Road) between Poage Valley Road and Crystal Creek Drive for utility installation through May 2026. Delays are possible.
PETERS CREEK ROAD SIGNAL INSTALLATION – Drivers should expect lane closures along northbound and southbound Peters Creek Road during daytime hours for a signal pole installation and intersection improvements between Dwight Street and South Drive through March 2026.
ORANGE MARKET PARK AND RIDE LOT TO CLOSE FOR IMPROVEMENTS – As a result of a project to improve two parking lots at Orange Market and the roundabout on Route 311/Route 419 in Roanoke County, drivers will need to seek alternate parking options during construction. This project will include paving and striping both parking lots including an area for the McAfee Knob shuttle stop. On Friday, January 23, the larger Orange Market Park and Ride Lot will close. The smaller Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail at Orange Market Lot, located at the entrance to Orange Market and closer to Route 419, will remain open. Once the first park and ride lot is completed, approximately March 2026, the lot at Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail at Orange Market will close for construction for the duration of the project with expected completion in summer 2026.
Commuters are encouraged to seek alternative parking options during these closures and should not leave parked vehicles on the lot as towing will be enforced. Drivers can use the existing Orange Market Alternate Parking Lot across the street and accessible off of Route 311 (Thompson Memorial Drive) across from the park and ride lot or may seek alternate park and ride locations such as the I-81 Exit 140 Park and Ride. For more information on park and ride locations, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/parkride/home.asp.
ROUTE 11 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS – This project has just started on Route 11 (Williamson Road) to add pedestrian safety improvements. A southbound lane closure will be in place on Route 11 (Williamson Road) until sidewalk is completed in May 2026. Message boards will alert drivers to traffic impacts.
LANE CLOSURE: Weather permitting, a lane closure may be in place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Plymouth Drive at the intersection with Williamson Road as part of this project. Drivers will be able to access Plymouth Drive from alternate routes.
ROUTE 220/ROUTE 419 DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE – The Route 220/Route 419 interchange project is underway. It will be reconfigured with a diverging diamond concept and multiple intersections on both Route 220 and Route 419 will be modified to enhance signal timing and reduce congestion. The intersections that include Route 220 are at Valley Avenue/Southern Hills Drive, Crossbow Circle/Pheasant Ridge Road, Buck Mountain Road/Stable Road and Indian Grave Road/Clearbrook Village Lane. The intersections on Route 419 are at Ogden Road, Elm View Road and South Peak Boulevard. With multiple activities scheduled, completion at different locations will take place throughout the life of the project. Daytime, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and nighttime, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., work hours will occur depending on location. Drivers should expect alternating lane closures, turn lane closures and shoulder closures. Expected completion is fall 2028.
ROUTE 220 AT CROSSBOW CIRCLE & PHEASANT RIDGE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Construction activities for this project are underway starting with removing the existing curb along the outer perimeters followed by removal of concrete medians. Drivers should use caution in the area and watch for work zones and message boards providing updated information. Signal pole installations during nighttime hours.
NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN in place. Instead of driving straight across Route 220, Crossbow Circle/Pheasant Ridge, drivers turn left or right to make U-turn.
ROUTE 220 AT SOUTHERN HILLS & VALLEY AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Construction activities for this project are underway starting with lane closures during nighttime hours from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Sunday night through Friday morning. Shoulder closures possible during daytime hours. Signal pole installations during nighttime hours.
NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN with signal is in place at Route 220 and Southern Hills Drive/Valley Avenue. Instead of driving straight across Route 220, Southern Hills Drive/Valley Avenue14 drivers now turn left or right to make U-turn.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
ROUTE 460 AND LAYMANTOWN ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – This intersection improvement project will add a right turn lane on westbound Route 460 for drivers turning onto Laymantown Road and is currently underway. Drivers should pay attention to signs and traffic control devices and use caution in the work zone. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
LANE CLOSURES: Drivers who use Route 460 (Orange Avenue) and Route 658 (Laymantown Road) in Botetourt County should expect possible lane closures on Route 460 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and on Laymantown Road from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
ROAD CLOSURE WITH DETOUR: Laymantown Road will be closed with a detour in place at this location no sooner than May 21.
ROUTE 43 UTILITY WORK – Drivers can expect a flagging operation to be in place on Route 43 between Springwood Road and Main Street for utility work through March 2026.
ROUTE 11 LANE SHIFT AND CLOSURE – Drivers should expect several impacts to Route 11 for various projects that are underway.
Route 11 northbound will have an outside lane closure between Route 772 and the I-81 ramp through March 2026 for fiber installation.
CRAIG BOTETOURT SCENIC TRAIL BRUSH CUTTING AND STABILIZATION WORK – Residents along the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Craig Valley Branch railbed in Botetourt and Craig counties may notice maintenance work continuing on the old railbed. These activities are intended to prevent additional deterioration and to help designers who are developing plans for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail. VDOT continues to collect data and conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined.
CRAIG COUNTY
CRAIG BOTETOURT SCENIC TRAIL BRUSH CUTTING AND STABILIZATIO WORK – Residents along the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Craig Valley Branch railbed in Botetourt and Craig counties may notice maintenance work continuing on the old railbed. These activities are intended to prevent additional deterioration and to help designers who are developing plans for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail. VDOT continues to collect data and conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
ROUTE 460 BUSINESS PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Work is underway on a pedestrian improvement project for Route 460 Business between the intersection of Route 460 and Laurel Street (Entrance to Walmart) and to the intersection with Spradlin Farm Drive. Drivers can expect lane closures in the eastbound and westbound lanes from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Closures of turn lanes onto 460 Business from each side of the intersection with Laurel Street may also be in place. Message boards will alert traffic. Expected completion is Summer 2026.
LANE CLOSURES: Lane closures may be in place in the following locations during allowable work hours listed above:
Nighttime lane closures including left hand turn lanes may be in place on the eastbound side of North Franklin, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. These closures will also involve restricting turn lane access from Pepper’s Ferry Road through the signaled intersection.
Eastbound left lane closures from the intersection with Pepper’s Ferry to just past the intersection with Laurel Street.
Westbound lane closure from Farm View Road to just past the intersection with Laurel Street.
6e inside turn lane may be closed from westbound Route 460.
ROUTE 8 PARK AND RIDE PROJECT – Work is underway to build a park and ride lot on Route 8 near the entrance/exit to I-81 at mile marker 114. This project will include a parking structure, bus shelter, as well as road and pedestrian improvements for adjoining streets. Traffic impacts will include alternating lane closures on Route 8 between Mud Pike Road and the entrance/exit ramps for I-81 at MM 114 and shoulder and single lane closures with flagging operations on Route 666 (Mud Pike Road) at the intersection with Moose Drive and between the intersections of Mud Pike Road and College Street except during peak hours, Monday through Friday. Expected completion is winter 2027.
TRAFFIC SHIFT: Traffic shifts may be in place on Route 666 (Mud Pike Road). Drivers should use caution.
PAVING: Alternating single lane closures along Route 8 is possible for paving, weather permitting.
SIGNAL INSTALLATIONS: Temporary lane closures maintained by flagging operations possible on Moose Drive, Pike Road and Route 8 for signal pole installations.
LANE CLOSURES: Temporary lane closures possible in the following locations:
Eastbound lane and turn lane on Mud Pike Road may be closed.
Northbound right turn lane at traffic light on Route 8 may be closed.
Right turn lane at traffic light on Moose Drive onto Route 8 may be closed.
Right turn lane from Route 8 into service station may be closed.
