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. New information is noted by “NEW” and updates are noted when a current project has had an update added to the listing. The Salem District covers Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.
TRAFFIC ALERTS:
- 511:For the most current traffic and road work information, call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org.
- TWITTER:You can also follow 511 Twitter feeds for the southwest area of Virginia at @511southwestva or follow @VaDOTSalem on Twitter.
- FACEBOOK:Join our Facebook community group page at www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalemfor traffic and general information on projects in the Salem District area.
- On the 511 website, drivers can also sign up to receive personalized traffic alerts, view traffic cameras or download the free Android or iPhone mobile app.
ROAD MAINTENANCE: VDOT performs the following activities as part of routine maintenance on roadways throughout the district. To submit a work order request for road repairs or assistance, contact our customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or submit online at www.virginiadot.org.
- PAVING OPERATIONS– Weather permitting, crews will pave, patch and repair pavement on various routes. Lane closures may be in place and flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
- PAVEMENT MARKINGS – Pavement marking operations will be performed district wide, in various counties on secondary routes. These will be mobile operations with lane closures, as they proceed through each county. Motorists should use caution and follow mobile signs for direction.
- DITCHING, GRADING, SLOPE ANDSHOULDER REPAIRS – Lane closures may be in place during daylight hours for shoulder repairs. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
- PIPE REPLACEMENTS – Crews will be working on various secondary roads to replace pipes under the roadway with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
- DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary roads where drainage issues are present with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
- MOWING, TREE TRIMMING AND BRUSH REMOVAL (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Crews will mow on secondary routes during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for lane and/or shoulder closures.
- UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
- GUARDRAIL REPAIRS – Lane closures may be in place for guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
PAVING INFORMATION: VDOT now offers coverage of tracking paving progress statewide, which allows community members and stakeholders to view specific locations slated for paving and individual details of each project. Paving season typically extends from April to November and the map is updated weekly to detail exactly where paving projects are planned, ongoing and show how they’re to give residents and travelers a tool to use to best plan for travel and stay safe near these work zones. Drivers can get specific information about the status of paving projects at the Virginia Roads Paving Map or www.virginiaroads.org.
INTERSTATE 81
(UPDATED 10-2-20) * 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. The 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. The estimated completion date is summer 2021.
- Exit 167 closed permanently on October 1.
- Nighttime lane closures will be in place.
- The speed limit in the work zone reduced to 60 mph.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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 from Sunday through Friday morning, 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.
(UPDATED 10-2-20) * 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.
(UPDATED 10-2-20) * 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.
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.
(UPDATED 9-18-20) * 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.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * I-81 PAVING OPERATIONS – Paving operations are being performed throughout the district.
- BOTETOURT COUNTY: Detour signage will be in place to direct traffic to use Route 11 to exit 146 for access onto I-81. Drivers should continue to watch message boards for updates as this project is weather dependent.
- 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.
- MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Alternating lane closures for milling and paving on I-81 southbound in Montgomery County 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.
ROANOKE CITY
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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
(NEW 9-18-20) *BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY SLOPE WORK DETOURS TRAFFIC – The Blue Ridge Parkway will be repairing slope failures so a signed detour will be in place to detour traffic around the Bent Mountain section of the Parkway. Traffic will be rerouted 220 south to 419 north to 221 south and the reverse for those traveling north. Detour will be in place through June 2021.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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.
(NEW 9-25-20) * 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. Traffic will be switched to the temporary section of road in September 2020 and will remain in this configuration through the end of the project until traffic can be switched onto the new bridge. Estimated completion is fall 2021.
- As of September 2020, traffic has been shifted to the temporary diversion road. Demolition of the existing bridge is underway. The speed limit has been temporarily been reduced to 35 MPH in the work area.
- Flagging operations for pipe installation may be in place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily for pipe installation.
(UPDATED 9-18-20) * 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.
(UPDATED 9-11-20) * ROUTE 419 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Construction on a 0.5-mile section of Route 419 (Electric Road) in front of Tanglewood Mall is scheduled to begin. 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.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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.
- UPCOMING:New bridge beams are scheduled to be set the week of Oct. 5and traffic will be impacted.
- 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 Driveis closed and no left turns will be allowed at this intersection.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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.
- Flagging operations will be in place on East Main Street between Thompson Memorial & Brand Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the day and from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at night through summer 2020.
(NEW 6-5-20) * 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.
(UPDATED 9-11-20) * 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.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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. Driver should expect alternating lane closures with flagging operations in place.
(NEW 9-25-20) * ROUTE 676 CLOSURE – Effective October 19 at 8 a.m., a section of Route 676 (Parsons Road) over Mill Creek is scheduled to be 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.
(UPDATED 9-25-20) * 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, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days per week. 24-hour flagging operations may be in place periodically. Speed limit is reduced to 45 mph throughout the project. and 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 fall 2021.
- FLAGGING OPERATIONS– A 24-hour one lane flagger operation will be in place periodically from Route 43 (Narrow Passage Road) to Route 694 (Gala Loop South) until further notice.
- TRAFFIC SHIFT ON PRICES BLUFF ROAD– A traffic shift will be in place on Route 622 (Prices Bluff Road). Traffic will remain in a two-lane pattern but surface will be compacted stone. Drivers should use caution in the area.
(UPDATED 10-2-20) * 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.
- PAVING SCHEDULED: Paving operations has been scheduled in between October 5 – 15. Paving is expected to take one day to complete and traffic should expect long waiting periods while paving equipment is in operation on the bridge.
(UPDATED 8-14-20) * UITILITY 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 2020for Roanoke Gas line renewal project.
CRAIG COUNTY
(NEW 10-2-20) * ROUTE 643 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 643 (Howard Hanna Road) will close on November 1 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 November 5, 2020.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
(NEW 9-11-20) * VARIOUS ROUTES CLOSED FOR BIKE RIDE – The Roads remain open to vehicular traffic and all riders will be obeying standard traffic control and rules. Riders will be on the following routes: 177 (Tyler Road), 600 (Tyler Road), 666 (Mud Pike), 615 (Pilot Road), 658 (Meadowcreek Road), 664 (Lovely Mount Drive), 669 (Union Valley Road), 669 (Fairview Church Road), 670 (Dairy Road), 679 (Nolley Road), 693 (Graysontown Road), and 787 (Wintergreen Drive).
(UPDATED 8-7-20) * ROUTE 636 Bridge Replacement at Seneca Hollow- Work has begun replacing the bridge on Route 636 over the Roanoke River at Seneca Hollow. Beginning August 3, a road closure will be 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 late June 2021.
(NEW 8-14-20) * ROUTE 685 TURN LANE CONSTRUCTION – Beginning August 17, turn lane construction on Route 685 (Prices Fork Road) is set to begin 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.
(NEW 7-24-20) * 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 December 2020.
(UPDATED 5-29-20) *WATERLINE CONSTRUCTION – In August 2019, 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) will include shoulder closures and lane closures. The work is expected to in February 2021.
- Submitted by Jen Ward, Information Technology Specialist
