VDOT Road Watch has new items including I-81 work on Sept. 2

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/VDOTSalem for 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. ·       BOTETOURT COUNTY: On Wednesday night, September 2, a right lane closure will be in place on I-81 northbound in Botetourt County between mile marker 150 and 152, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting.

·       BOTETOURT COUNTY – RAMP CLOSURE: On Thursday night, September 3, the off ramp at exit 156 on I-81 northbound in Botetourt County will be closed, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting.

·       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. NEW 8-28-20) * PAVING OPERATIONS ROUTE 220/ROUTE 11 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – Paving operations are set to begin on September 13 on Route 220 and Route 11.  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. 

(UPDATED 7-31-20) * 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. The speed limit will 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. Flagging operations are in place 7 days a week during daytime hours only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Drivers should watch for signs. Work is estimated to be completed fall 2021.

·       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.

(NEW 8-28-19) * ROUTE 655 BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT – Beginning Monday, September 28, at 8 a.m., Route 655 (Old Fincastle Road) will be closed for a bridge deck replacement. The road will be closed between Route 679 (Peck Lane) and Route 635 (West Wind Road). This structure is located 0.40 miles from Peck Lane and 0.80 miles from West Wind Road. The road is expected to reopen on October 1 at 4 p.m.  

(UPDATED 8-28-20) * 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). The work will be performed Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m. 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. Temporary lane closures may also be in place with flaggers controlling traffic at various times. The completion of the project is expected at the end of September 2020.

·       Timbers installation on the deck of the bridge is set to begin. No date has been confirmed but once it begins, it will require two weeks and daytime flagging operations will be utilized. Drivers should pay close attention to the message boards in the area of the bridge for updates on closures and traffic impacts.

·       Paving operations will begin once the deck on the bridge is complete. Paving will be performed during the day with an occasional slow roll to stop traffic.

(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 August 2020.

·       Possible road closures on various two-lane roads in British Woods, Ivy Lane, and Orchard Lake subdivisions through August 2020 for Roanoke Gas line renewal project.

–Submitted by Jen K. Ward, Communications Coordinator, VDOT Salem District