VDOT Road Watch through Oct. 29
(UPDATED 10-23-20) * 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. 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.
· 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.
UPDATED 10-16-20) * 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 10-23-20) * 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.
Drivers should continue to watch message boards at the bridge for updates. The completion of the project is still expected at the end of October 2020 or early November.
(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 Communication Coordinator, Salem District
