VDOT Road Watch through Dec. 18
(UPDATED 12-11-20) * 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.
· There will be alternating lane closures on I-81 northbound near mile marker 168 starting Sunday night, December 13, to Friday morning, December 18, between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permiting
UPDATED 11-13-20) * 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 12-4-20) * 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). Timber installation for replacement of the deck floor beams is underway and daytime flagging operations will be utilized during the installation. Work is being performed Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 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.
· Final work is being performed on this project.
· PAVING: Paving operations are underway. Drivers may experience a few extended delays while asphalt is placed, rolled, and cooled across the structure.
Sumitted by Jen K Ward, Communications VDOT, Salem District
