VDOT Roadwatch

INTERSTATE 81

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 will need to be closed through the end of November. 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.

• RAMP CLOSURE: The entrance ramp from Route 11 onto northbound Interstate 81 at exit 162 (Buchanan) in Botetourt County will be closed for two weeks. A signed detour will be in place directing traffic to use Route 11 to get onto northbound I-81 at exit 168. The ramp is expect to be closed through November, weather permitting.

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, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning,  outside and inside lane closures may be in place on I-81 from mile marker 155 to 157.

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.

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.

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.
• RAMP CLOSURES: 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: 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.

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.

• 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 being in place throughout the project.
• 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.

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 7 p.m. and 10 a.m., and for the northbound lanes between the hours of 6 p.m. through 9 a.m.  Details on these closures will be listed below on a weekly basis. Estimated completion is Fall 2025.

• Alternating nighttime northbound and southbound left and right lane closures may be in place from mile marker 97 to 94 during the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. while other work on the project continues.

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.

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
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.

ROANOKE CITY
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. New signal installation is underway. Delays are possible.

• OVERNIGHT RAMP CLOSURE PLANNED FOR NEW SIGNAL ACTIVATION – Starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, the exit 4E off ramp will be closed temporarily and is expected to reopen before the morning rush hour on Thursday, November 20. Signs will be posted to help detour traffic during the ramp closure. Northbound I-581 traffic can take exit 4W onto westbound Orange Avenue and then head southbound on I-581 to use exit 4E to eastbound Orange Avenue. Starting the morning of Nov. 20, the new signal located at the bottom of the northbound I-581 off ramp and eastbound Orange Avenue will be activated. Drivers should be alert to this change in traffic pattern. During the overnight ramp closure on Nov. 19, crews will be installing an overhead sign structure and putting in lane separating posts between the eastbound Orange Avenue through lane and the left turn lane onto Williamson Road. This work must be completed so the new signal can be activated on Thursday morning. Electronic message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the upcoming ramp closure.

ROANOKE COUNTY
LANE CHANGES ON GARST MILL ROAD AT THE INTERSECTION OF BRAMBLETON AVENUE – Weather depending, drivers can expect a new traffic pattern at the intersection of Route 682 (Garst Mill Road) and Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke County starting the week of Nov. 17.

The change involves switching which lane drivers will use for the through movement. The  straight option for Garst Mill traffic driving through the intersection onto Valley Forge Avenue will switch from the right lane into the left lane. Under the new traffic pattern, drivers on Garst Mill Road in the left lane will be able to turn left onto Brambleton Avenue or go straight onto Valley Forge Avenue. Drivers in the right lane will only be able to turn right onto Brambleton Avenue.

Electronic message board will be in place to alert drivers to the change in traffic pattern. Motorists may notice some lane closures and short delays outside of peak travel times as crews work on the intersection on Nov. 17. The schedule is weather dependent and may change. Drivers should pay attention to electronic message boards to get the latest information.

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.

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.

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.

BOTETOURT COUNTY

ROUTE 621 (ROARING RUN ROAD) REDUCED TO ONE LANE FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT – Work is underway on Route 621 (Roaring Run Road) for a culvert replacement in the vicinity of 618 Roaring Run Road. As of Tuesday, July 15, Route 621 (Roaring Run Road) is reduced to one lane of traffic controlled by a temporary signal that will alternate traffic through the work zone until completion of the project. Delays are possible. Expected completion is fall 2025.

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.

CRAIG COUNTY

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.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

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 will 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.   

FIJI RUN ACROSS AMERICA – Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity will hold a relay run event from Blacksburg to Charlottesville starting on November 15, 2025 called Fiji Run Across Virginia. The run will be led by a police cruiser, followed by a runner, followed by a bus containing replacement runners with another police cruiser in the rear.  Foot traffic is not allowed along limited access portions of the State Highway System.  Event participants may only travel along limited access portions of the highways as passengers riding in authorized motor vehicles.  Traffic control will be provided by various local police and sheriff departments.

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.
• 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.