VDOT Roadwatch
(UPDATED 2-18-22) * INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – A $179 million design-build project to widen both directions of I-81 between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 from two to three lanes is set to begin. Starting in February and continuing into the early summer, work will be performed on the inside and outside shoulders along a five mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. The shoulders will be built up before barrier wall can be installed for road crews to work behind. Barrier wall will be installed along the shoulders in the spring and summer. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction will remain open during the project with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed. Drivers can expect the following lane closures and upcoming impacts on northbound and southbound I-81:
· From mid-February to mid-April, daytime right shoulder closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday
· From mid-March until mid-June, nighttime right lane and shoulder closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
· From mid-May to mid-June, alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges, installing approximately 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along northbound I-81, improving the southbound exit 137 off-ramp intersection at Wildwood Road and adding interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141 are also included in the project. Expected completion in early 2026.
(NEW 2-18-22) * I-81 TROUTVILLE REST AREA CLOSURE – The Troutville Rest Area located on southbound Interstate 81 near mile marker 158 in Botetourt County will be closed from late May 2022 until early September 2022. This project will extend the ramp into the rest area by 500 feet and the ramp out of the rest area by 2,100 feet. It will also include expanding the truck parking area at the facility by about 10-13 spaces. Visitors to the rest area may see some preliminary work, such as drainage improvements, as early as this spring. However, the major construction will begin after Memorial Day, and the rest area facility, ramps and parking lot will be closed to the public from late May until early September. Work is expected to be completed in early fall 2022.
(UPDATED 2-18-22) * INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS – Due to bridge painting, several height restrictions are in place along I-81 north and southbound. Maximum height allowed is 14’6” at the following bridges over I-81 at the mile marker locations of 135, 109 and 108 through early February. Overheight vehicles will need to be rerouted. Message boards are in place.
(UPDATED 2-18-22) * INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION EXIT 141 TO EXIT 143 – A project to widen the lanes on I-81 in Roanoke in both northbound and southbound directions between Exit 141 to Exit 143 has been underway. All lanes now open and will remain open through winter with periodic lane closures at night as needed. The final surface paving and markings for northbound will resume with the next paving season in spring 2022. Drivers can expect rough pavement. Estimated completion date of the project is summer 2022.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
(NEW 2-11-21) * BUHRMAN ROAD BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT – Buhrman Road will be closed beginning March 7 at 8 a.m. through March 8 at 4 p.m., for a bridge deck replacement. The bridge is located approximately 0.25 miles from Route 220 and north of the intersection with Clyde’s Run. Buhrman Road and Clyde’s Run are both dead ends beyond the bridge so additional services will be in place for residents. A pedestrian bridge will be available with parking on both sides of the closed bridge along Buhrman Road and Clyde’s Run. The school bus will turn around at McDaniel Drive, 0.2 miles from the closed bridge. Emergency and fire services as well as the local post office have been notified of the closure.
(NEW 2-25-21) * ROUTE 688 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – On March 21 at 8 a.m., Route 688 (Salt Petre Cave Road) will be closed in order to replace the bridge over the Branch of James River. The bridge is located 0.55 miles from Route 43 (Narrow Passage Road) and 1.65 miles from Route 809 (Salisbury Road). A signed detour will be in place. The bridge will reopen to traffic on March 24 by 4 p.m.
(UPDATED 2-25-21) * ROUTE 611 (GREYLEDGE ROAD) CLOSURE – On Monday, November 1, a 1.5 mile section of Route 611 (Greyledge Road) will be closed due to flooding that has damaged the roadway. Extensive repairs will be needed and a detour will be in place. There is no estimated time for the road to reopen.
(UPDATED 2-22-21) * ROUTE 817 (OLD RAIL ROAD) BRIDGE WORK – Beginning November 8, Old Rail Road in Oriskany will be closed for repairs to the bridge over Craig’s Creek, the historic McCallister Truss Bridge. The bridge is located 0.60 miles from Route 704 (Branchwater Road) and 0.20 miles from Route 770 (Edlo Lane). The bridge will be closed during daytime hours, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Work on this bridge is restricted when waters in the creek is high. All traffic between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. will use the Edlo Ford. Signs have been posted to alert drivers. Estimated time for completion February 2022.
(UPDATED 2-25-22) * ROUTE 220 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN EAGLE ROCK – The project is coming to a close. To complete the project, remaining rumble strips, restriping and other pavement marking operations will resume when temperatures rise in spring 2022. The 45 mph speed reduction and width restrictions have been removed. Occasional flagging operations may be in place on Route 220 for residual work in the north and southbound lanes between Eagle Rock and Iron Gate, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drivers should watch for signs. Completion of project expected in spring 2022.
–jen K. Ward, Communications Specialist VDOT Salem District
