Salem District: RoadWatch January 16-23, 2026

Road Work Ahead

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 X feeds for the southwest area of Virginia at @511southwestva or follow @VaDOTSalem on X, formerly known as 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 31r road repairs or assistance, contact our customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or submit online at www.my.vdot.virginia.gov.

• 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

(NEW 1-16-26) * I-81 SLOW ROLLS FOR UTILITY WORK IN ROANOKE COUNTY - AEP will be using a slow roll operation during nighttime hours on I-81 for an aerial crossing between mile marker 130.9 and 133.9 in Roanoke County, January 31 to February 1, 2026, from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Delays are possible.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSION AT EXIT 162 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – This ramp extension project is underway and as part of the project, the on ramp from Route 11 onto northbound 81 was previously closed but is now back open. This project will extend the on ramp onto northbound I-81 about 1,000 feet. The project also includes installing drainage structures and constructing a retaining wall alongside the slope. As work progresses, additional ramp and lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours. During construction, barrier wall will be installed along the right shoulder of northbound I-81 at exit 162. Electronic message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the upcoming ramp closure and announce any schedule changes. Work is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

• LANE CLOSURES: Drivers can expect nighttime right and left lane closures in place on I-81.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE WORK AT EXIT 156 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – Bridge work is underway on northbound and southbound I-81 at Exit 156.  Milling and paving the bridge deck will take place in both directions beginning with the northbound side first and then southbound once northbound is completed.  Drivers can expect lane closures on I-81 during nighttime hours. Slow roll operations are expected periodically and flagging operations will be used during barrier wall placement on Route 640 (Brughs Mill Road). Expected completion is fall 2026.

• Temporary traffic barrier in place on westbound side of Route 640 under the I-81 bridges off exit 156 with lanes narrowed to 11 feet.
• Nighttime outside and inside lane closures may be in place on I-81 from mile marker 155 to 157, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSIONS AT MILE MARKER 94 IN PULASKI COUNTY AND 105 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY- Work is underway on the extension of two acceleration lanes on I-81. The first one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound at mile marker 94, the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound. The second one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 northbound at mile marker 105 in Montgomery County. Construction will begin at mile marker 94 location first and then once complete, work will start at mile marker 105. Scheduled completion date for both projects is summer 2026. During construction, drivers can expect:

• LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime lane closures northbound and southbound from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., the following morning, Sunday through Thursday.
• Shoulder closures throughout the work zone area.
• Ramp closures are possible.
• Narrowed or shifted ramps during nighttime hours.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * INTERSTATE 81 EXIT 89 BRIDGE REHABILITATION IN PULASKI COUNTY – A bridge project is underway on I-81 at exit 89. A shoulder closure is currently in place at the bridge. Ramp closures and lane closures are possible, northbound and southbound. Drivers should watch message boards for the most up to date information as times and days may vary.

• RAMP CLOSURES: The Exit 89B on-ramp from Draper Valley Road to northbound I-81 and the Exit 89B off-ramp from northbound I-81 onto Draper Valley Road are closed. A signed detour will be in place to route traffic. Drivers can use Exit 94 (Pulaski) to get onto or to exit from northbound I-81. Motorists should use Route 11 to Draper Valley Road to reach northbound I-81 at Exit 94. Northbound I-81 traffic heading to Pulaski can use Exit 94B on to Route 99.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * 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:

• RAMP CLOSURE AT EXIT 137: Exit 137 northbound off-ramp will be closed during nighttime hours, Monday through Friday, December 15-19. Detour will be in place.
• 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.
• RAMP CLOSURES AT EXIT 140: Ramp closure of exit 140 on and off ramps onto southbound I-81 in Salem may be closed. Watch message boards for updates.
• 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 AT I-81 EXIT 140: 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 1-16-26) * I-81 WIDENING FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 150 – The I-81 widening project is underway with survey and preparation work. Shoulder strengthening work will require northbound and southbound lane closures during nighttime hours. Barrier wall installation is possible in late fall or early winter. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.

• ROUTE 220 & 150 PARK & RIDE: During the week of January 19–23, daytime shoulder closures on Route 220 (Roanoke Road) northbound and southbound along the area where the park and ride is located will be in place for drilling operations. Drivers may see barrels in the park and ride lot at exit 150 for this activity impacting a few parking spaces.
• TRAFFIC SHIFT: Southbound traffic is shifted to the right shoulder from exit 150 in Botetourt County to exit 146 in Roanoke County.
• LANE CLOSURES: Periodic right and left lane and shoulder closures in place during nighttime hours 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on northbound and southbound I-81.
  • Nighttime right lane and shoulder closures are being scheduled.
• BARRIER WALLS: Drivers will see barrier walls in place throughout the project.
• SHOULDER CLOSURES: Shoulder closures in place with additional barrier wall to be installed next year.  
• WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Speed reminders are posted for drivers.
• Belle Haven Road – Drivers may see periodic daytime flagging operations in place.
• RAMPS - Ramps on I-81, northbound and southbound, may be narrowed at exit 150. 146 and 143.
• DETOUR SIGNS: While detour signs are in place on I-81 and routes around the project such as Route 11 and Plantation Road, 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 traffic incident detours only.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * 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. 7low 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.

• LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime right and 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.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * 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 work zone areas. Delays are possible.

• I-81 BOTETOURT COUNTY: Deck patching repairs are underway on I-81 northbound and southbound with right and left lane closures. From mile marker 160 to 164 during nighttime hours, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

INTERSTATE 581
(NEW 1-16-26) * INTERSTATE 581 EXIT 2N AT PETERS CREEK ROAD – Work is underway on this $4 million project to re-align and signalize the exit 2N ramp from northbound I-581 to northbound Peters Creek Road, eliminating the current merge ramp and making it easier for drivers to access ValleyPointe Parkway. Weather permitting, beginning the week of January 19, drivers can expect intermittent lane closures, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Peters Creek Road northbound and southbound in the city of Roanoke between Valleypointe Parkway and Thirlane Road NW.through mid-March. One lane each direction will remain open during work. During spring and summer 2026, the current exit ramp will be narrowed, as construction begins on the new exit ramp. Construction is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * I-581 PATCHING OPERATIONS – Weather permitting, 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 1-9-26) * 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 1-9-26) * 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.

• Bridge deck overlays on I-77 from 8.78 miles north of the North Carolina line to 6.24 miles south of the intersection with Route 58 during nighttime hours are underway. Lane closures will be in place underneath the Route 148 bridge during nighttime hours. Expected completion date is scheduled for end of 2025.

ROANOKE CITY
(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROANOKE RIVER GREENWAY PROJECT – Work is underway with grading for new Greenway and concrete for the sidewalk. There are currently no lane closures at this time. Drivers should watch for large dump trucks entering and exiting work areas on Route 419 and Route 11. Flagging operations are possible on Route 419 for asphalt trucks. Expected completion is summer 2026.

ROANOKE COUNTY
(NEW 1-16-26) * UTILITY WORK SCHEDULED ON THOMPSON MEMORIAL DRIVE, ROUTE 11 AND ELECTRIC ROAD – Mobile lane closures during daytime and nighttime hours are scheduled for fiber installation and removal of gas service. Watch for trucks and crews working in the area along both roadways through January 2026.  

(NEW 1-16-26) * HANGING ROCK BATTLEFIELD PARKING LOT AT ORANGE MARKET IMPROVEMENTS – The Hanging Rock Battlefield parking lot at Orange Market beside the Route 311/Route 419 roundabout will be closed as improvements and erosion and sediment controls are performed. No other traffic impacts expected. The completion date for this project is June 2026.  

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * FRANKLIN STREET CLOSURE - Weather permitting in Roanoke County, there will be road work on a portion of Franklin Street between Route 1396 (Fairway Ridge Road) and the City of Salem line. The work will require a road closure to through traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. School bus traffic and those who live along the closed section will have access, but may have a few minutes of delay. Drivers should pay attention to signs and message boards for when work will be happening.

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * ROUTE 11 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS – This project has just started on Route 11 (Williamson Road) to add pedestrian safety improvements. A southbound lane closure will be in place on Route 11 (Williamson Road), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until sidewalk is completed in May 2026. Message boards will alert drivers to traffic impacts.

 

The Contractor continues installation of pipes and will start the installation of the concrete sidewalk. Citizens can expect a SB lane closure until sidewalk installation estimated completion is 4/30/2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * 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 include 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. Daytime, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and nighttime, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., work hours will occur depending on location. Drivers should expect alternating lane closures, turn lane closures and shoulder closures. Expected completion is fall 2028.

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 220 AT CROSSBOW CIRCLE & PHEASANT RIDGE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Construction activities for this project are underway starting with removing the existing curb along the outer perimeters followed by removal of concrete medians. Drivers should use caution in the area and watch for work zones and message boards providing updated information.

• NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN in place. Instead of driving straight across Route 220, Crossbow Circle/Pheasant Ridge, drivers turn left or right to make U-turn.  
  
  

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 220 AT SOUTHERN HILLS & VALLEY AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Construction activities for this project are underway starting with lane closures during nighttime hours from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Sunday night through Friday morning. Shoulder closures possible during daytime hours.

• NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN with signal is in place at Route 220 and Southern Hills Drive/Valley Avenue. Instead of driving straight across Route 220, Southern Hills Drive/Valley Avenue14 drivers now turn left or right to make U-turn.

 

BEDFORD COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 666 BRIDGE REPAIRS OVER ELK CREEK – The bridge repairs on the Elkton Farm Road Truss Bridge on Route 666 (Elkton Farm Road) over Elk Creek are underway. The bridge is located 1.8 miles east of Route 622 to l.60 mile west of Route 221. The road is closed and will remain closed with a detour in place until May 2026, weather permitting. Estimated completion of repairs is summer 2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) *ROUTE 460 AND ROUTE 697 IMPROVEMENTS – Work is underway to improve Route 460 at Route 697 (Camp Jaycee Road). This project will construct median turn lanes for U-turns and close three existing crossovers and modify one existing crossover. Drivers can expect inside and outside lane closures on eastbound and westbound Route 460. The Woodhaven Nursing Facility entrance has been closed and a secondary entrance has been opened which has been marked with proper signage. Work is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) *ROUTE 460 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS - Intersection improvements on Route 460 are underway from 0.063 miles west of Route 668 (Blackwater Road) to 0.488 miles east of Route 668 (Blackwater Road). Drivers should expect flagging operations to be in place as needed during construction. Expected completion is November 2026.

BOTETOURT COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 11 LANE SHIFT AND CLOSURE - Drivers should expect several impacts to Route 11 for various projects that are underway.

• Route 11 northbound will have an outside lane closure between Route 772 and the I-81 ramp through January 2026 for fiber installation.
• Route 11 southbound will have a lane shift between Route 838 (Vista Drive) and Route 1007 (Bryant Road) for construction of a temporary construction entrance through January 2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * 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 d23ta and conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined.

 

CARROLL COUNTY

None to report.

CRAIG COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * CRAIG BOTETOURT SCENIC TRAIL BRUSH CUTTING AND STABILIZATIO 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 design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined.

 

FLOYD COUNTY

None to report.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

(NEW 1-9-26) * ROUTE 40 BRIDGE MAINTENANCE – Weather permitting, on Monday, January 26, Route 40 (Franklin Street) will be reduced to a single alternating lane for bridge maintenance. Flagging operations will be in place to allow one lane of traffic to cross the bridge during operations. The structure is located 1.45 miles from Route 789, Dry Hill Road and 0.88 mile from Route 788, Dry Hill Road. Work is scheduled for completion by approximately Friday, January 30, 2026.

 

(NEW 1-9-26) * ROUTE F-615 (FRONTAGE ROAD) CLOSURE FOR PIPE WORK - Effective Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the north entrance of Route F-615 (Frontage Road) will be closed for pipe maintenance. Access to Route F-615 (Frontage Road) can be accessed at the south entrance located off of the Route 220 BUS South ramp. Signage will be in place. Work is scheduled for completion by approximately Friday, January 30, 2026.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 705 CLOSURE FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - A section of Route 705 (Chestnut Hill Road) is closed for a bridge replacement. The structure is located 0.30 mile south of Route 714 (Washboard Road) and 1.30 miles north of Route 954 (Ball Park Drive). Drivers will need to seek alternate routes around the closure. Work is scheduled for completion November 2026.

 

GILES COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * 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 alert drivers of detour. Completion is expected summer 2026.

• DETOUR: Detour is in place. Drivers should watch for message boards.

 

HENRY COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * ROUTE 220 AND DYER STREET – Intersection improvements are underway at Route 220 and Dyer Street. Drivers can expect lane and shoulder closures in the area and should watch message boards for traffic pattern shifts and closures.

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * ROUTE 460 BUSINESS PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Work is underway on a pedestrian improvement project for Route 460 Business between the intersection of Route 460 and Laurel Street (Entrance to Walmart) and to the intersection with Spradlin Farm Drive. Drivers can expect lane closures in the eastbound and westbound lanes from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Closures of turn lanes onto 460 Business from each side of the intersection with Laurel Street may also be in place. Message boards will alert traffic. Expected completion is Summer 2026.

• LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime lane closures including left hand turn lanes may be in place on the eastbound side of North Franklin may be in place 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. These closures will also involve restricting turn lane access from Pepper’s Ferry Road through the signaled intersection.

 

(UPDATED 1-9-26) * 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 with flagging operations 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.

• TRAFFIC SHIFT: Traffic shifts may be in place on Route 666 (Mud Pike Road). Drivers should use caution.
• PAVING: Alternating single lane closures along Route 8 is possible for paving, weather permitting.
• LANE CLOSURES: There will be temporary lane closures in place in the following locations:

• Eastbound lane and turn lane on Mud Pike Road may be closed.
• Northbound right turn lane at traffic light on Route 8 may be closed.
• Right turn lane at traffic light on Moose Drive onto Route 8 may be closed.
• Right turn lane from Route 8 into service station may be closed.

 

PATRICK COUNTY

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * 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.

• NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN - Drivers can expect traffic pattern changes as part of the ongoing road-widening project on Route 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain in Patrick County. Route 58 traffic will be shifted onto a new section of roadway starting 1.7 miles east of Route 610 (Cloudbreak Road) to 1.5 miles west of Route 640 (Central Academy Road). Traffic will remain on this new section of road for approximately 1.5 miles before transitioning back onto existing Route 58. Drivers should also expect flaggers controlling a 0.5-mile section of this new road for approximately two weeks. Motorists should pay attention to signs and electronic message boards that will be posted to alert drivers to the changes.
• OUTLOOK ACCESS: Access to Fred Clifton Park and the Lovers Leap Overlook will remain on Poor Farmers Farm Road.
• 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.

 

(UPDATED 1-16-26) * ROUTE 58 VESTA PROJECT – The Route 58 Vesta project is underway 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.

• BRIDGE WORK: Bridge work is underway on the bridge over the Dan River on Route 58, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Flagging operations expected as work progresses.

 

PULASKI COUNTY

(NEW 1-9-26) * ROUTE 11 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT WARDEN COURT - Beginning January 19, 2026, work to improve roadway elevation through the curve on Route 11 at Warden Court between the intersections of Route 11 and Camelot Farm Road and the Northern Entrance to Warden Court.  Drivers can expect southbound shoulder closures with barrier wall and alternating north and southbound lane closures. 11 foot lanes will be maintained in both directions. Expected to be completed October 2026.