Craig County
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 along 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 conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined. Ongoing maintenance activities regarding extensive stabilization should be complete by summer 2026. The project is set to begin by the end of 2026 with a completion date of fall 2028.
Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail 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 along 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 conduct site visits and field reviews on the railbed. The design plans for Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail are still being refined. On going maintenance activities regarding extensive stabilization should be complete by summer 2026. The project is set to begin by the end of 2026 with a completion date of fall 2028.
Interstate 81
Interstate 81 bridge rehabilitation over Route 670 in Botetourt County
A bridge rehabilitation project is underway on I-81 at the bridge over Route 670 (Trinity Road). Drivers can expect periodic nighttime lane closures on northbound and southbound I-81. Work will also be performed under the bridge on Trinity Road which may also require lane and road closures with flagging operations. Expected completion is summer 2027.
Interstate 81 acceleration ramp extension at exit 162 in Botetourt County
This ramp extension 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 and the on-ramp at exit 162. Electronic message boards will alert drivers to any updates or changes. Work is expected to be completed in late 2026.
Lane closures:
Weather permitting, alternating northbound and southbound lane closures for drainage improvements may be in place on Route 11 in Buchanan between I-81 and the Exxon station next to the northbound off ramp at exit 162. All I-81 ramps will remain open.
Drivers can expect other nighttime right and left lane closures in place on I-81. Drivers should use caution in the area of the work zone.
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 fall 2026.
Slow rolls: Slow roll operations are possible during nighttime hours, 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., on I-81 will be in place for bridge jacking and blocking. Slow roll operations for northbound will start at Exit 150 and slow roll operations for southbound will start at the Troutville Rest Area at mile marker 158. Flagging operations will be in place on Route 640 under the bridges at Exit 156.
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.
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 nearing completion. 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. Expected completion in fall 2026.
Uneven rough pavement: Drivers may experience some uneven pavement and/or rough surface throughout the project.
Ramp closures: Drivers may see ramp closures for the paving of exit 137 and 140 on and off ramps from and onto northbound and southbound I-81 in Salem, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Watch message boards for updates on times and dates of occurrence and plan ahead.
Milling and paving: Paving operations will require lane closures northbound and southbound during nighttime hours, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.
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.
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.
I-81 widening from mile marker 143 to 150
The I-81 widening project is underway. Northbound and southbound lane closures possible during nighttime hours. Various tasks are being performed throughout the project. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.
Blasting with Ramp Closures: Starting the week of August 24, blasting will occur for about eight weeks between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday with ramp closures. Exact days and times will be communicated weekly below and on social media. Drivers should expect loud noises and are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. Expect delays, heavy congestion and use alternate routes. Message boards will provide updated information. Slow rolls will be used in both directions:
Northbound lanes beginning at the 146 on-ramp (Plantation Road)
Southbound lanes beginning at the 156 on-ramp (Troutville)
For the week of September 14, blasting will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Northbound on-ramp at exit 146 and southbound on-ramps 150A and 150B will be closed during blasting.
Ramp closures: Various closures and narrowing of ramps will be in place over the next few weeks. Drivers can use alternate exits at 150 during any of the ramp closures or use exit 146 for access to Route 11 to return to the area at exit 150. Message boards will alert drivers of the closures and should watch for any changes or updates as these closures are weather dependent.
Truck entrances on I-81: Openings for trucks to enter into the work zone for deliveries are possible where barrier walls and signage indicating construction entrance only are present. Watch for trucks that may slow down on the interstate to enter these areas.
Barrier walls: Drivers will continue to see barrier walls with an eight-foot shoulder being put into place throughout the project. Drivers should watch for changes in traffic patterns.
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.
Flagging operations: Flagging operations are possible on various secondary roads impacted by bridge work. Watch for message boards and signage.
Daytime flagging operation on Reservoir Road until Thursday, October 1.
Daytime flagging operation on Belle Haven Road until Tuesday, October 1.
Ramps: Ramps on I-81, northbound and southbound, may experience periodic closures or be narrowed at exit 150, 146 and 143.
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.
‘Pink’ detour signs: While pink 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 widening from mile marker 133.8 to 137
The I-81 widening project from mile marker 133.8 to 137 will begin with work to collect survey and geotechnical data that may require periodic northbound and southbound right and left lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours. This is the northern portion of a larger project that extends to mile marker 127 at Ironto. It is being performed in three sections with this being the first section and is expected to start in early 2027.
I-81 northbound at exit 105 New River Bridge replacement in Montgomery County
Work on this project continues with the initial work beginning behind the barrier wall. Then, beginning in May and through September, the barrier wall will be moved, and the existing lanes will be narrowed. In the fall of 2026, I-81 traffic will be shifted into a new pattern at the bridge. Two lanes of traffic will continue to be open in the work zone, but motorists will be traveling on a different portion of roadway on the right side of the bridge.
Throughout construction, two lanes of northbound I-81 will remain open during daytime hours with nighttime closures possible during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Slow rolls may be performed on I-81 in the northbound and southbound lanes from mile marker 98 to 109. Speed limit is reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone. The project is expected to be complete and the bridge in its final configuration with two lanes of Interstate 81 and the right deceleration lane/exit ramp by the end of 2026.
Lane closures: Nighttime right and left lane closures may be in place on I-81 northbound or southbound between mile marker 98 and 109 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
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.
Speed limit: The speed limit is reduced to 60 miles per hour in the work zone.
I-81 bridge deck repairs
Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 81 between mile markers 170 and 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
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. 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.
Lane closures: Drivers may see intermittent lane closures in place, 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.
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.
I-581 bridge deck repairs
Weather permitting, crews will repair bridge decks on Interstate 581, right and left lane closures may be in place 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.
Roanoke County
Dry Hollow Road safety improvements
A safety improvement project on Dry Hollow Road that will reinforce the retaining wall and install a roadside barrier is ongoing. Drivers will encounter flagging operations and delays between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Temporary parking sites will be in place on either side of the roadway. Drivers should pay attention to message boards that are already in place. A new signal has already been installed as the first part of this project. Expected completion is fall 2027.
Apperson and Orchard Drive safety improvement
The installation of a new traffic signal and new turn lanes has been underway as part of safety improvements at the intersection of Apperson Drive and Orchard Drive in Salem. Paving and marking work has been completed. Lane closures are still possible. Electronic message boards and signs will alert drivers with updates. Estimated completion is late fall 2026.
Route 221 (Bent Mountain Road) utility work
Drivers should expect daytime flagging along Route 221 (Bent Mountain Road) between Poage Valley Road and Crystal Creek Drive for utility installation through September 2026. Delays are possible.
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 that 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.
Route 220 at Crossbow Circle and Pheasant Ridge Road intersection improvements
Construction activities for this project are underway. A new traffic pattern will be put in place where drivers will turn left or right to make a U-turn instead of driving straight across Route 220. Signal pole installation and pedestrian improvements remain under construction during nighttime hours. Drivers should use caution in the area and watch for work zones and message boards providing updated information. Expected completion, weather permitting, by end of 2026.
Route 220 at Southern Hills and Valley Avenue intersection improvements
Drivers are now using a new traffic pattern at the intersection of Southern Hills and Valley Avenue on Route 220 that was recently completed to improve safety and traffic flow. Motorists who used to drive straight across Route 220 at this intersection will instead turn right or left onto Route 220 and make a U-turn at the next available median crossover or signal. Signal installation and pedestrian improvements remain under construction during nighttime hours. Drivers should watch message boards. Expected completion, weather permitting, by end of 2026.
Lane Closures: Nighttime right lane closures on Route 220 northbound and southbound at the intersection of Southern Hills and Valley Avenue are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Thursday, Sept. 10 beginning at 11 p.m. for signal installation work. Drivers may experience delays in the area and state police will be assisting with traffic control.
Botetourt County
Route 737 (Hogan Hollow Road) bridge work
Beginning Sept. 28, Route 737 (Hogan Hollow Road) will be closed for bridge work over Catawba Creek. The bridge is located near Route 779 and the dead end of the road. Expected completion of the project is October 2, 2026.
Route 666 (Haymakertown Road) bridge replacement complete with paving scheduled at a later date
A section of Route 666 (Haymakertown Road) that was previously closed for a bridge replacement has reopened to traffic on Sept. 2. Loose gravel signs have been posted until paving can be performed with a flagging operation. The bridge is located on Haymakertown Road between Route 665 (Country Club Road) and Route 664 (Asbury Lane).
Route 460 and Laymantown Road intersection improvements
An intersection improvement project to replace a bridge and add a right turn lane on westbound Route 460 for drivers turning onto Laymantown Road is nearing completion. Laymantown Road is open to traffic. The project still has work that will continue, including milling and paving, markings, signal work and other residual needs in the area, but traffic will be able to use the roadway during remaining construction. Drivers should pay attention to signs and traffic control devices and use caution in the work zone.
Lane closures: Drivers who use Route 460 (Orange Avenue) and Route 658 (Laymantown Road) in Botetourt County should expect possible lane closures on Route 460 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and on Laymantown Road from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
