Route 8 pedestrian improvements beginning in Riner

SALEM — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is beginning a project to install sidewalk and curb and gutter along a short segment of southbound Route 8 in Montgomery County in Riner. The section of Route 8 starts about 0.1 mile south of Route 669 (Union Valley Road) and extends about 500 feet to the south.

Beginning March 13, drivers on southbound Route 8 can expect a new traffic pattern with barrels in place to shift traffic away from the work area. This minor shift will remain in place for about two weeks. Message boards currently are on Route 8 to alert drivers to this upcoming change in traffic pattern. 

Throughout the spring and summer, flaggers will be controlling traffic periodically outside of peak travel times, so drivers in both directions of Route 8 should expect possible delays. When school is in session, flaggers may be present between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. When school is not in session, flaggers may control traffic between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and between 6 p.m. 9 p.m. Work is expected to be completed in early August.

The project entails constructing about 500 feet of sidewalk and installing new curb and gutter along southbound Route 8. Replacing drainage structures and repaving the southbound lane also are included. 

VDOT awarded a contract for this project worth approximately $605,000 to contractor Jones Road and Bridge Inc. from Abingdon in December 2022.