RoadWatch: March 21 – April 4, 2025

road work sign

The following is a list of forecasted highway projects that may impact traffic traveling in the 12-county Salem Transportation District this week. Work schedules and construction project timelines are always subject to change and weather dependent. New information is noted by "NEW" and updates are noted when a current project has had an update added to the listing. The Salem District covers Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.

TRAFFIC ALERTS:

• 511: For the most current traffic and road work information, call 511, download the 511 App or visit 511virginia.org.
• TWITTER: You can also follow 511 Twitter feeds for the southwest area of Virginia at @511southwestva or follow @VaDOTSalem on Twitter.
• FACEBOOK: Join our Facebook community group page at facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem for traffic and general information on projects in the Salem District area.
• On the 511 website, drivers can also sign up to receive personalized traffic alerts, view traffic cameras or download the free Android or iPhone mobile app.

 

ROAD MAINTENANCE: VDOT performs the following activities as part of routine maintenance on roadways throughout the district. To submit a work order request for road repairs or assistance, contact our customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or submit online at www.virginiadot.org.

• PAVING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will pave, patch and repair pavement on various routes. Lane closures may be in place and flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.
• SURFACE TREATMENT OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will begin surface treatment operations on various routes. Lane closures may be in place and flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays. The road surface may be rough for a several weeks after surface treatment is applied. Once it packs down, the road surface will be brushed and return to a more smooth surface.
• PAVEMENT MARKINGS – Pavement marking operations will be performed district wide, in various counties on secondary routes. These will be mobile operations with lane closures, as they proceed through each county. Motorists should use caution and follow mobile signs for direction.
• DITCHING, GRADING, SLOPE AND SHOULDER REPAIRS – Lane closures may be in place during daylight hours for shoulder repairs. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
• PIPE REPLACEMENTS – Crews will be working on various secondary roads to replace pipes under the roadway with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
• DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary roads where drainage issues are present with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
• MOWING, TREE TRIMMING AND BRUSH REMOVAL (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Crews will mow on secondary routes during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for lane and/or shoulder closures.
• UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays. Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.
• GUARDRAIL REPAIRS - Lane closures may be in place for guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

PAVING INFORMATION: VDOT now offers coverage of tracking paving progress statewide, which allows community members and stakeholders to view specific locations slated for paving and individual details of each project. Paving season typically extends from April to November and the map is updated weekly to detail exactly where paving projects are planned, ongoing and show how they’re to give residents and travelers a tool to use to best plan for travel and stay safe near these work zones. Drivers can get specific information about the status of paving projects at the Virginia Roads Paving Map or www.virginiaroads.org.

 

INTERSTATE 81    

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – The $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 underway. Work is being performed along a five-mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. Barrier wall is in place along the shoulders. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction are expected to 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 traffic impacts in this area on northbound and southbound I-81:

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

• LANE CLOSURES: Alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, are possible. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet. Nightly lane closures may be in place along the right lane with possible nightly ramp narrows as needed for guardrail and shoulder strengthening.
• FLAGGING OPERATIONS: Flagging operations possible on Route 635 and Route 619.
• UNEVEN PAVEMENT: Drivers may experience some uneven pavement and/or rough surface throughout the project.
• TRAFFIC SHIFTS: Drivers may experience periodic lane closures, narrow ramps or quick merges into traffic onto Thompson Memorial Drive from the southbound or northbound exit ramps of exit 140 off of I-81. Work zone located at bottom of the ramp for work on the I-81 bridge at the underpass.
• TRAFFIC SHIFTS ON WILDWOOD ROAD: Expect a work zone with traffic shifts and narrow width on Wildwood Road after exiting I-81 southbound on exit 137 heading towards Salem. Southbound and northbound I-81 exit and entrance ramp narrows are possible at Route 311.
• WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Narrow spacing in lanes due to barrier walls, lack of shoulders and lane shifts in various locations, are present.

 

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. Expected completion in early 2026. 

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * I-81 WIDENING FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 151 – The I-81 widening project is underway with periodic right and left lane closures in place during nighttime hours 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on northbound and southbound I-81 for survey and preparation work. Ramps may be narrowed at exit 146 and 143. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) I-81 NB & SB DECK OVERLAY AT PEAK CREEK MILE MARKER 95.7 - Repair work is underway on the northbound and southbound bridges on I-81 over Peak Creek near mile marker 95.7. This repair work will require nighttime single lane closures for the duration of the project. Lane closures may occur nightly from Sunday night through Friday mornings between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.  For the deck overlay process, lane closures may be in place between Sunday nights through Friday mornings.  For the southbound lanes these will occur between the hours of 7pm and 10am, and for the northbound lanes between the hours of 6pm through 9am.  Details on these closures will be listed below on a weekly basis. Estimated completion is Summer 2025.

• Deck work postponed due to cold weather.
• Alternating nighttime northbound and southbound left and right lane closures may or may not be in place from mile marker 96 to 94 during the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. while other work on the project continues.

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * I-81 NORTHBOUND AT EXIT 105 NEW RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Traffic on northbound I-81 has been switched onto the newly constructed bridge over the New River at the Montgomery/Pulaski County line. Lane and shoulder closures may be in place near exit 105. Lane closure may be in effect during the week from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Shoulder closures may be in effect at any time during the week. Slow rolls may be performed on I-81 in the north and southbound lanes from mile marker 98 to 109. Speed limit is reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone. Shoulder closures will remain in place though the duration of the project. Completion currently expected in fall 2025.

• LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime left lane closures may be in place on I-81 northbound or southbound between mile marker 106 and 104 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
• ROUTE 605: Alternating lane closures and flagging operations may be present on Route 605, located under the New River Bridge, for paving operations and work overhead on the bridge.
• SLOW ROLLS: Slow rolls may be utilized periodically on both the northbound and southbound lanes from mile marker 98-109 for structural steel deliveries and setting beams.
  • On Tuesday, March 25, daytime slow roll operations scheduled on I-81 northbound between mile marker 98-105 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 

(UPDATED 1-3-25) * I-81 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81 between mile markers 170 to 89, right and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

INTERSTATE 581
(UPDATED 2-21-25) * I-581 PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, beginning August 18, crews will perform paving and patching operations. Lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound, Sunday through Thursday, during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

INTERSTATE 77 (CARROLL COUNTY)

(UPDATED 3-13-25) * I-77 PAVING & PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, crews will perform paving and patching operations on Interstate I-77. Right, left and center lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound, Monday through Friday, during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

(UPDATED 1-31-25) * I-77 BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS – Weather permitting, crews will perform paving operations on Interstate 77. Right and left lane closures will be in place northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

• Beginning January 27, 2025, bridge deck overlays on I-77 began from 8.78 miles north of the North Carolina line to 6.24 miles south of the intersection with Route 58. Lane closures will be in place underneath the bridge on Route 148. Expected completion date is scheduled for Fall 2025.

ROANOKE CITY
None to report8

ROANOKE COUNTY
(UPDATED 3-21-25) * APPALACHIAN TRAIL BRIDGE OVER ROUTE 311 – A new pedestrian bridge is nearing completion over Route 311 at McAfee Knob trailhead. The trailhead parking lot is currently closed and will remain closed during construction. Alternate areas for parking and updates on the shuttle can be found by calling 540-387-5588 or visiting the shuttle website at www.roanokecountyva.gov/McAfeeShuttle. Expected completion is winter 2025.

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 220/ROUTE 419 DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE - The Route 220/Route 419 interchange project is underway. It will be reconfigured with a diverging diamond concept and multiple intersections on both Route 220 and Route 419 will be modified to enhance signal timing and reduce congestion. The intersections on Route 220 are at Valley Avenue/Southern Hills Drive, Crossbow Circle/Pheasant Ridge Road, Buck Mountain Road/Stable Road and Indian Grave Road/Clearbrook Village Lane. The intersections on Route 419 are at Ogden Road, Elm View Road and South Peak Boulevard. With multiple activities scheduled, completion at different locations will take place throughout the life of the project. Expected completion is fall 2028.

• On Thursday March 13, two lane closures will begin at 7 p.m. for utility work. The first lane closure will be the right lane of westbound Route 419 from Tanglewood Mall through the intersection of Route 220. The second lane closure will be the center left turn lane of the northbound Route 220 exit ramp onto westbound Route 419.
  
  

(UPDATED 3-14-25) * BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CLOSURES IN ROANOKE AREA - Blue Ridge Parkway may be repairing roads in our area that require road closures and flagging operations and detours may be in place. Visit their website at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm for more information.

BEDFORD COUNTY

None to report.

                               

BOTETOURT COUNTY

(UPDATED 3-21-25 * ROUTE 220 AND INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY/ASHLEY WAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS - Work is underway on a road construction project to improve traffic flow and safety by converting the intersection at Route 220 and Route 839/Route 1126 (International Parkway/Ashley Way) to a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT). Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025. Drivers can expect the following traffic pattern changes at the intersection of Route 220 and International Parkway/Ashley Way:

• Two new crossovers are now open for motorists to turn right and make U-turns from the side streets. International Parkway traffic that has been using Route 673 (Greenfield Street) and Route 670 (Trinity Road) to reach northbound Route 220 have a new crossover to make this movement. Ashley Plantation traffic also have a new crossover closer to the intersection to make U-turns.
• Throughout the life of the project, drivers can expect periodic lane closures on Route 220 and traffic pattern changes at the intersection.
• Estimated completion is summer 2025.

(UPDATED 3-14-25) * CRAIG BOTETOURT SCENIC TRAIL BRUSH CUTTING AND STABILIZATION WORK - Residents along the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Craig Valley Branch railbed in Botetourt and Craig counties may notice maintenance work continuing on the old railbed. These activities are intended to prevent additional deterioration and to help designers who are developing plans for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail. VDOT continues to collect data and conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The cost estimate for the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail is still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined. VDOT plans to hold public hearings on the project in June 2025.

 

CARROLL COUNTY

(NEW 3-21-25) * BIKE RACE IN FLOYD, CARROLL AND PATRICK COUNTIES: A long-distance cycling ride will be held on various routes parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Counties of Floyd, Carroll and Patrick on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 7 a.m.  to 7 p.m. 

 

(UPDATED 2-7-25) * ROUTE 620 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS – A safety improvement project on Route 620 is underway from 0.1 mile south of Route 707 to 0.1 mile north of Route 707. Flagging operations may be in place during daytime hours and drivers should use caution in the work zone. Watch for message board updates. The expected completion date is scheduled for June 2025.

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 764 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 764 (Panther Creek Road) is closed for a bridge replacement project over Greasy Creek. The bridge is located 2.8 miles from the Pulaski County line and 0.05 mile north of Route 765. A detour will be in place for the duration of the bridge replacement. The scheduled completion date is September 2025.

 

CRAIG COUNTY

None to report.

 

FLOYD COUNTY

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 712 SURFACE TREATMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS – On March 7, work began on Route 712 (Hope Road) for surface treatment and general improvements. Drivers should expect single lane closures throughout the entire roadway with flagging operations in place. A one-week detour, scheduled in March, will also be required during the project where drivers will need to use Robertson Mill Road. Drivers should watch message boards for updates. Expected completion is summer 2025.

• DETOUR SCHEDULED: Detour may be in place. Drivers watch for message boards for traffic impact updates.

 

(NEW 3-21-25) * BIKE RACE IN FLOYD, CARROLL AND PATRICK COUNTIES: A long-distance cycling ride will be held on various routes parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Counties of Floyd, Carroll and Patrick on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 7 a.m.  to 7 p.m. 

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY
(NEW 3-7-25) * ROUTE 623 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS - Effective Monday, March 24, 2025, a section of Route 623 (Fairy Stone Park Road) will be closed for bridge repairs. The structure is located 0.60 mile east of Route 788 (Thompson Ridge Road) and 1.50 miles west of Route 605 (Henry Road). Work is scheduled for completion by approximately Friday, April 4, 2025.

 

(UPDATED 3-14-25) * CONNECTOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION CLOSES BRICK CHURCH ROAD - During the week of November 11, drivers who use the intersection of Route 697 (Brick Church Road) and Route 220 (Virgil Goode Highway) in the Wirtz area of Franklin County began to reroute due to a project to build a new connector road.

• Brick Church Road will be closed to through traffic starting just east of its intersection with Route 696 (Pleasant Breeze Drive). Drivers heading east on Brick Church Road toward Route 220 will need to use Pleasant Breeze Drive to access southbound Route 220.
• Southbound Route 220 drivers who normally turn onto Brick Church Road will need turn at Pleasant Breeze Drive to return to Brick Church Road if they are heading to destinations west of Pleasant Breeze Drive. Local traffic will still be able use the section of Brick Church Road between Route 220 and Pleasant Breeze Drive to access homes and businesses.
• During construction, flaggers will control traffic at times and a temporary signal will be installed at the intersection of Brick Church Road and Pleasant Breeze Drive, so drivers should expect possible delays and use caution in the work zone. Motorists should pay attention to signs and electronic message boards.

 

These traffic changes will remain in place once a new 0.4-mile section of roadway is built to connect Brick Church Road and Commonwealth Parkway. As part of the project, a new cul-de-sac will be constructed on Brick Church Road just east of its intersection with Pleasant Breeze Drive. The road project is being administered by Franklin County and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

 

GILES COUNTY

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 778 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER SINKING CREEK - Work is underway on Route 778 (Apache Road) to replace the bridge over Sinking Creek. The bridge is located off of Route 460 westbound across from the intersection with Route 730 (Eggleston Road). The road will be closed with a detour in place. Message boards will be in place to alert drivers of detour. Completion is expected summer 2026.

• DETOUR SCHEDULED: Detour is set to begin the week of March 26. Drivers watch for message boards scheduled to go up this week.

 

HENRY COUNTY

(NEW 3-21-25) * RACE FANS! FOLLOW SIGNS AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY WEEKEND OF MARCH 28-30 TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION - With a weekend full of racing, drivers should expect an increased volume of traffic in the vicinity of Martinsville Speedway on Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. 

 

For the Nascar race being held on Sunday, March 30, the Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway to follow the recommended traffic patterns listed below and as posted on signs and message boards.

 

VDOT will place many signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. 

•   From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville:Race fans traveling south on Route 220 should continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway.  The entrance is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access. Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway.   
  
  •   From Danville and areas east of Martinsville:Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track.
  
  •   From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic to use the right lane.
• 
  From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville:Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track.

 

Those attending the race should plan to arrive early, closely follow directional information and expect heavy traffic and delays throughout the area.

 

After the race ends, drivers may see automated flaggers being used when exiting the main gate or to stop traffic on Route 220 northbound.

 

(UPDATED 2-7-24) * ROUTE 220 LANE CLOSURES FOR PEDESTRIAN PROJECT - A pedestrian crossing installation is underway at the Daniels Creek Road intersection on Route 220. A lane closure will be in place on Route 220 and turning lanes on Daniels Creek Road will also be closed. Drivers should watch for message boards and signage. Expected completion is scheduled for October 2025.

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 8 PARK AND RIDE PROJECT – Work is underway to build a park and ride lot on Route 8 near the entrance/exit to I-81 at mile marker 114.  This project will include a parking structure, bus shelter, as well as road and pedestrian improvements for adjoining streets.  Traffic impacts will include alternating lane closures on Route 8 between Mud Pike Road and the entrance/exit ramps for I-81 at MM 114 and shoulder and single lane closures on Route 666 (Mud Pike Road) at the intersection with Moose Drive and between the intersections of Mud Pike Road and College Street except during peak hours, Monday through Friday. Expected completion is winter 2027.

 

PATRICK COUNTY

(NEW 3-21-25) * BIKE RACE IN FLOYD, CARROLL AND PATRICK COUNTIES: A long-distance cycling ride will be held on various routes parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Counties of Floyd, Carroll and Patrick on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 7 a.m.  to 7 p.m. 

 

(NEW 3-21-25) * UTILITY WORK ON ROUTE 57 – On Route 57 from Route 8 to Route 701, drivers may experience periodic lane and shoulder closures for Comcast utility work. May cause delays. Expected completion is June 2025.

 

(UPDATED 3-21-25) * ROUTE 58 LOVER’S LEAP PROJECT – Construction is underway on Lover’s Leap area of Route 58. Current work includes clearing and grading activities on the west and east portions of the project. A 45-mph speed reduction is in place on Route 58 for the entire length of the project. Drivers should expect flagging operations during day and nighttime hours. Message boards are in place to alert traffic and drivers should expect delays. Estimated completion date is Summer 2026.

• TRAFFIC SHIFT: A traffic shift is in place approximately 1.5 miles east of Lovers Leap Overlook and 1.5 miles west of Route 640 (Central Academy Road). Drivers should expect this shift to remain in place through the end of 2025.
• ROUTE 640 EXTENDED CLOSURE - The section of Route 640 (Central Academy Road) between Route 58 and Route 621 (Community Church Lane/Bouldin Church Lane) will be closed to through traffic starting (updated date) September 30. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately three months and be removed before the end of the year. Drivers can detour around the closure using Route 8. The existing road elevation along this section of Route 640 will be raised approximately ten feet as part of the ongoing road construction project to widen Route 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain.
• TRAFFIC PATTERN – The new traffic pattern on a 0.4-mile section of RT 58, 1.8 miles east of Cloudbreak Road, is in place. Traffic in a curve on the road widening project is using a straighter section of Route 58 with a shoulder. This slight shift will remain in place until further notice. Flaggers may be in place.
• TRUCK ESCAPE RAMP CLOSURE: The escape ramp located 2.9 miles east of the Lovers Leap Overlook/Fred Clifton Park and 1.1 miles east of Dehart Botanical Gardens has been permanently closed. Please be aware of brake check points along Route 58 and check your brakes frequently. A brake check point is located 0.6 miles east of Route 610 (Cloudbreak Road) near Poor Farmer’s Farm. All trucks MUST check their brakes prior to traveling down the mountain.
• BLASTING NOTICE: Blasting operations are underway on the project. Intermittent blasting will be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and continue at various locations on the project through summer 2025. For blasting that is close to Route 58, traffic in both directions may be blocked for approximately 15-20 minutes at a time. Drive and residents along the Route 58 corridor should expect loud noise and allow extra travel time. Electronic message boards will be used to inform drivers of scheduled blasting that will impact traffic.
• DETOUR SIGNS: While detour signs in a fluorescent pink color are in place, these do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. The signed detour route is suitable for all traffic during incidents including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These signs are used for incident detours only.

 

(NEW 3-14-25) * ROUTE 58 LOVER’S VESTA PROJECT – In March, the Route 58 Vesta project is set to begin near the Route 58 Business eastern intersection in Meadows of Dan and ends about 0.5 mile east of Route 610 (Cloudbreak Road). In addition to widening Route 58 from two lanes to four lanes, the project includes replacing the existing bridge over the Dan River with two new bridges. The Vesta project adjoins the Lovers Leap widening project that is currently under construction. This spring, drivers may see activity in the area as soil samples and gathering other data needed to finalize the road design takes place. Residents may notice temporary access roads and brush cutting. A citizens information meeting will be held about the details of the project and is anticipated to be held in early 2026.

 

PULASKI COUNTY

None at this time.