Salem District RoadWatch: May 23-30, 2025
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.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 23 until noon on Tuesday, May 27. While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.
TRAFFIC ALERTS:
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 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 5-23-25) * INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE MAINTENANCE IN PULASKI COUNTY – Bridge maintenance will require the on-ramps to Route 100 off I-81, northbound and southbound, to be closed from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning, Sunday through Friday mornings. Drivers should watch message boards for the most up to date information as times and days may vary.
(UPDATED 5-23-25) * 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:
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.
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 5-23-25) * I-81 WIDENING FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 151 – 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 expected in late summer or fall. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.
(UPDATED 5-23-25) 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.
(UPDATED 5-23-25) * 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.
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * 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 work zone areas. Delays are possible.
INTERSTATE 581
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * 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 5-16-25) * 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 5-16-25) * 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.
ROANOKE CITY
(UPDATED 5-23-25) * ORANGE AVENUE OFF RAMP SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS – Drivers can expect shoulder closures, narrow ramps and lane closures eastbound and westbound on Route 460 (Orange Avenue) from Burrell Street northwest and Gainsboro Road northwest to the intersection of Williamson Road northeast and on the off ramp from I-581. Shoulder closures expected on Route 460 (Orange Avenue) eastbound and westbound with right and left lane closures in place during nighttime hours. Delays are possible.
ROANOKE COUNTY
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * ROUTE 622 (BRADSHAW ROAD) CULVERT REPLACEMENT – On April 21, work began on a culvert replacement over Mason Creek on Route 622 (Bradshaw Road). The culvert is located about 6.8 miles from Route 311. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic around the clock to allow drivers to alternate using one open lane during the culvert replacement until sometime in August 2025. Drivers should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes. Electronic message boards will be posted to alert motorists to the upcoming roadwork and traffic impacts.
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * 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.
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * ROUTE 220 AT SOUTHERN HILLS & VALLEY AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – As of April 21, 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.
(UPDATED 5-9-25) * 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
(NEW 5-23-25) *ATKINSON HOLLOW ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT - A temporary signal will be installed starting Tuesday, May 27, as part of work to replace a culvert on Route 839 (Atkinson Hollow Road) in Bedford County. The culvert is located four miles northeast of Stewartsville and about 0.4 mile north of Route 619 (Jordantown Road). Drivers should expect delays until sometime in late July, weather permitting. The temporary signal will control traffic around the clock to allow drivers to alternate using one open lane during the culvert replacement. A width restriction of 11 feet will be in place until the signal is removed. Signs have been posted to alert motorists to the upcoming roadwork and traffic impacts.
(NEW 5-2-25) * ROUTE 666 BRIDE REPAIRS OVER ELK CREEK - Route 666 bridge repair over Elk Creek is underway. The bridge is located 1.8 mile miles east of Route 622 to l.60 mile west of Route 221. The road is scheduled to close in August 2025 with an estimated completion in summer 2026.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
(NEW 5-23-25) * ROUTE 723 CLOSURE FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT – Route 723 (Brick Yard Ro23) will be closed over the weekend of June 5 through June 8 for a culvert replacement. The structure is located .30 mile from Route 738 and .20 mile from the end of state maintenance. A pedestrian bridge and a staging area to park vehicles on the other side of the closure will be provided to residents on the end of state maintenance side for access during the work to the roadway. This work will be completed as quick as possible but scheduled to reopen on June 8.
(NEW 5-23-25) * ROUTE 11 NORTHBOUND LANE CLOSURES – Outside lane closures will be in place on Route 11 northbound between Route 625 and the I-81 ramp through May 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
(NEW 5-23-25) * ROUTE 11 & ROUTE 43 UTILITY WORK - Shoulder and lane closures will be in place along northbound Routes 11 and 43 for brush cutting and aerial utility installation in the Town of Buchanan through the end of May 2025.
(NEW 5-23-25) * ROUTE 460 UTILITY WORK – Expect outside lane closures and shoulder closures along eastbound and westbound Route 460 between Route 658 (Willowbrook Lane) and Laymantown Road through May 2025.
(UPDATED 4-25-25 * ROUTE 622 EXTENDED CLOSURE – A section of Route 622 (Dagger Springs Road) in the Eagle Rock area of Botetourt County is closed for approximately four months. The closure starts a mile north of Route 612 (Blue Grass Trail) and extends about 1.2 miles to Tate Road. Drivers should follow detour signs. Work will include drainage improvements, culvert replacements and major slope work. Expected completion in August 2025.
(UPDATED 5-9-25) * 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 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. VDOT will hold public hearings on the project in Botetourt and Craig Counties this summer.
CARROLL COUNTY
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * TRAFFIC ALERT: EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC IN HILLSVILLE, VIRGINIA FOR MEMORIAL DAY FLEA MARKET - Travelers heading to the Hillsville Flea Market during Memorial Day weekend should be prepared for considerable traffic delays. The town’s popular event will be held Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. People not attending the flea market are encouraged to avoid the area altogether. Thousands of visitors are expected to converge on a one-mile section of Route 58 Business in Hillsville. As a result, sidewalks will be crowded with pedestrians and bumper-to-bumper traffic will be moving at a crawl throughout the area. Drivers should use extra caution, watch for police directing traffic and pay attention to electronic message boards in the area. For the most current traffic and road work information, call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org.
(UPDATED 5-16-25) * 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 5-9-25) * 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
(UPDATED 5-9-25) * 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 design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined and a specific schedule for construction has yet to be determined. VDOT will hold public hearings on the project in Botetourt and Craig Counties this summer.
FLOYD COUNTY
(NEW 5-2-25) * ROUTE 221 (EAST LOCUST STREET) UTILITY WORK - Overnight utility work, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., that will impact Locust Street between the intersections with Main Street and Christiansburg Pike. One lane of traffic will remain open, but drivers should expect to encounter flagging operations and minor delays.
(UPDATED 5-2-25) * 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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
(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.
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 2025.
GILES COUNTY
(UPDATED 5-2-25) * 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 alert drivers of detour. Completion is expected summer 2026.
(NEW 5-23-25) * EGGLESTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MUD BOG – The Eggleston Volunteer Fire Department Mud Bog will be held on May 24 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a change in the traffic pattern on Old School House Road. Drivers should us caution on the area and expect an increase in pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
(NEW 5-23-25) * NARROWS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE - Main Street, Memorial Boulevard and Monroe Street will be closed May 26 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the Narrows Memorial Day Parade. Detour routes will be marked. Drivers should us caution on the area and expect an increase in pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
HENRY COUNTY
(UPDATED 4-11-24) * 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.
(UPDATED 5-9-24) * MOSS STREET LANE CLOSURES FOR PEDESTRIAN PROJECT – Pedestrian improvement work began along Moss Street in Martinsville on April 7. Driver should expect daytime lane closures in the area. Expected completion is October 2025.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
(NEW 5-23-25) * ROUTE 781 CLOSURE FOR PIPE REPLACEMENT – Beginning Monday, June 9 at 7 a.m., Route 781 (Lick Run Road) will be closed for a pipe replacement. Drivers will need to seek alternate routes and a signed detour will be posted. Residents living on the road will have access to their homes on either side of the closure. The road is scheduled to reopen on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
(UPDATED 5-23-25) * 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 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.
PATRICK COUNTY
(UPDATED 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 5-23-25) * 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.
(UPDATED 5-23-25) * ROUTE 58 LOVER’S 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. 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.
Last updated: June 2, 2025