VDOT Road Watch April 12-16

(NEW 4-9-21) * INTERSTATE 81 GEOTECHNICAL TESTING – As part of preliminary engineering efforts associated with a future I-81 Widening project from Exit 143 to Exit 150, geotechnical engineers will be performing testing on the roadway pavement in Botetourt County from Monday, April 12 to Thursday, April 15 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night on I-81 northbound and southbound between mile marker 147 and 151. Drivers should expect mobile lane closures to be in place.

(UPDATED 4-9-21) * 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, seven days per week. 24-hour flagging operations will be in place from April to August 2021. 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:

o   Beginning the first week of April through August, 24-hour a day, 7-days a week flagging operations will be in place throughout the project.  

o   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.

o   A 24-hour one lane flagger operation may be in place periodically in January from Route 622N (Gala Loop) to Route 696 (Buhrman Road).

o   A 24-hour one lane flagger operation will be in place January 11-15, from Route 694N (Gala Loop) to Route 722 (Chatman Road).    

Subnited by Jen Ward, VDOT Communications Officer, Salem District