VDOT Road Watch Oct. 2-8
(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) * 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 2020 for Roanoke Gas line renewal project.
–Submitted by Jen K. Ward, VDOT Communications Coordinator, Salem District
