Traffic Alert: Connector road construction to change traffic pattern in the Wirtz area of Franklin County

SALEM – Weather permitting, 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 will need 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.

These traffic changes will begin during road construction and 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. 

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.

The road project is being administered by Franklin County and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024. The project is intended to improve safety and traffic flow and to support better access and future growth at the nearby business park.