The Bristol District Weekly Traffic Alert for June 29 - July 5, 2026, offers a comprehensive overview of upcoming roadwork and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. This week's update highlights several key projects that will impact traffic flow and require drivers to exercise caution. Here's a breakdown of the major projects and their implications:
Interstate Projects
I-81 Exit 50 and Mile Marker 52 Bridge Rehabilitation (Smyth County): A significant project is set to commence, involving bridge rehabilitation on six bridges in both directions at Exit 50 and Mile Marker 52. This will result in nighttime lane closures and flaggers, impacting traffic on Kiawana Road and Nick's Creek Road. The completion date is November 2027, and drivers are advised to pay close attention to signs and message boards.
I-81 Exit 45 Deceleration Lane Extension (Smyth County): The project to extend the deceleration lane at Exit 45 northbound in the Marion area is underway. It includes replacing the northbound I-81 bridge over Matson Drive, leading to periodic nighttime lane closures and traffic shifts. The completion is scheduled for December 2027.
I-81 Mile Marker 68 Bridge Rehabilitation (Wythe County): Bridge rehabilitation on I-81 north and southbound over Reed Creek at Mile Marker 68 will cause periodic extended lane closures and a width restriction of 14 feet. Signage and message boards will guide drivers, with completion expected in September 2027.
I-81 Roadway Improvements (Wythe County): Construction of an auxiliary lane southbound between Exits 73 and 72 is in progress. Drivers should expect periodic lane closures in this area, with a completion date of Fall 2026.
I-81/77 Interchange at Wytheville: Improvements on I-81 and I-77 at the interchange will require close attention to signs and message boards. Lane restrictions and traffic shifts are possible, with a completion target of Summer 2027.
Interstates 81 and 77 Maintenance Activities: Several lane closures are scheduled due to maintenance, including ditching cleaning northbound at Exit 10 in Washington County, bridge deck repairs northbound and southbound in various locations, and a super load traveling northbound from Bristol to the West Virginia state line.
Primary Highways and High-Traffic Secondary Roads
Bland County Route 608 Bridge Superstructure Replacement: Route 608 (Skydusky Road) is closed due to bridge superstructure replacement in Bland County. Motorists should follow signs and message boards, with a completion date of August 2026.
Buchanan County Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase B: A new traffic pattern on Route 460 at Grundy is introduced due to construction. Flaggers will be present, and drivers should be alert, with a completion deadline of Late 2027.
Dickenson County Route 83 Roundabout at Route 637: Construction continues for a roundabout and a new park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Route 83 and Route 637. Lane shifts and closures are expected, with flaggers, signs, and message boards providing guidance.
Russell County Route 19 Safety Improvements: Safety enhancements on Route 19 northbound in Rosedale will involve lane closures starting 0.8 miles west of Route 80. The right lane will be restricted to 11 feet, and drivers should watch for signs and message boards, with a completion date of November 2026.
Smyth County Route 11 Roundabout at Adwolfe Road: A roundabout project on Route 11 at Adwolfe Road is underway, with construction crews mobilizing. Completion is scheduled for July 2027.
Tazewell County Route 19/460 and Route 610 Intersection Improvements: Shoulder and lane closures are anticipated on Route 19/460 from the intersection with Route 460 to the intersection with Route 610 in Claypool Hill. The project is set to be completed by December 2026.
Washington County Route 19 Safety Improvements: Route 19 in Washington County will undergo safety and traffic flow improvements, including the closure of Everett Hagy Road and the construction of a cul-de-sac. Turn lane and median improvements are also part of the project, with lane shifts expected. Motorists should exercise caution and slow down, with a completion date of June 2027.
Thompson Drive/Stanley Street Roundabout: A roundabout project at the intersection of Thompson Drive and Stanley Street in Abingdon is underway, with construction crews present. Completion is targeted for September 2027.
Wise County Route 58 Bridge Replacement Over Norfolk Southern Railroad: A new bridge replacement project on Route 58 over Norfolk Southern railroad is beginning in Wise County. Construction crews will be mobilizing, and drivers should pay attention to signs and message boards, with a completion date of December 2028.
Wythe County Monroe Street/Route 11 Realignment: Work on a realignment project on West Monroe Street and Route 11 in Wytheville will require a detour using specific streets. Signage and message boards will guide drivers, with a completion target of December 2026.
Progress Park Connector/I-77 Exit 41: Construction of a new connector road between Nye Road and E. Lee Trinkle Road is underway, providing access to Progress Park industrial site. A section of Lover's Lane is closed and will remain so during the project. The I-77 interchange at Exit 41 is also under construction, with improvements to northbound lanes and off-ramps. Drivers should be alert to traffic shifts and construction vehicles, with a completion date of November 2027.
Wythe County Route 671 Bridge Closure: The Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge has been closed due to safety concerns, and a detour is in place using Route 612 and Route 749. The bridge replacement is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with a completion date of March 2027.
Completed Projects
Route 619 Bridge Repairs (Dickenson County): Repairs for the Route 619 (Skeetrock Road) bridge over Pound River are now complete.
Route 600 Bridge Replacement (Russell County): The Route 600 (Ivy Ridge Road) bridge replacement project in Russell County has been finalized.
In summary, this week's traffic alert highlights a range of ongoing and upcoming projects that will impact drivers in southwestern Virginia. From interstate improvements to primary highway maintenance, these projects are essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Motorists are advised to stay informed, follow signage, and exercise caution when traveling through these work zones.
