Bristol District, Virginia, October 25, 2025
The Virginia Department of Transportation has announced a weekly traffic alert for the Bristol District. The alert details road closures and ongoing construction projects from October 27 to November 2, allowing drivers to plan their routes effectively. These updates aim to minimize disruptions and ensure safety for all motorists during the construction period. Drivers are encouraged to be aware of the closures and plan alternative routes in advance.
Bristol, Virginia: Upcoming Road Closures and Construction Projects (October 27 – November 2, 2025)
VDOT has announced several road closures and construction projects in the Bristol District for the week of October 27 to November 2, 2025. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays.
Interstate Projects
- Interstate 81 – Widening (Washington County): Widening of I-81 southbound between exits 10 and 7, and approximately one mile of northbound I-81 from exit 7 northward. Completion expected by November 2025.
- Interstate 81 – Truck Climbing Lanes (Washington and Smyth Counties): Addition of truck climbing lanes on I-81 northbound at mile marker 32.4 in Washington County and southbound at mile marker 34 in Smyth County. Roadway shoulder closed during construction. Completion expected by November 2025.
- Interstate 81 – Deceleration Lane Extension at Exit 81 (Wythe County): Extension of the deceleration lane on I-81 southbound at exit 81. Be alert to changing traffic patterns, signs, and message boards. Completion expected by October 2025.
- Interstate 81 – Roadway Improvements (Wythe County): Construction of an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72. Periodic lane closures expected. Completion expected by Fall 2026.
- Interstate 81 – Route 11 Widening at Exit 5 (Bristol): Widening of Route 11 and I-81 off-ramps at exit 5 to improve traffic flow and safety. Intersection and traffic signal improvements included. Completion expected by May 2026.
Primary Highways and Secondary Roads
- Route 23/58 Intersection Improvements (Scott County): Changes to traffic signal supports, addition of northbound Route 23 left and right turn lanes, and a right turn lane from Route 871 onto northbound Route 23. Periodic traffic pattern changes expected. Completion expected by June 2026.
- Route 61 Bridge Replacement over Cove Creek (Tazewell County): Replacement of the Route 61 bridge over Cove Creek. Traffic signals controlling one-way traffic across the bridge. Width restriction of 10 feet 6 inches during construction. Completion expected by September 2026.
- Front Street Bridge Replacement in Richlands (Tazewell County): Replacement of the Front Street bridge over the Clinch River. Detours in place using Route 460, Railroad Avenue, 2nd Avenue, Fairfax Avenue, and Allegheny Street. Completion expected by April 2026.
Maintenance Activities
- Interstate 81 Maintenance (Smyth County): Nighttime bridge deck repairs north and southbound near mile marker 52. Completion expected by October 2025.
- Interstate 81 Maintenance (Washington County): Nighttime paving operations southbound between mile markers 25 and 23. Completion expected by October 2025.
- Interstate 81 Maintenance (Bristol): Installation of a temporary traffic count station southbound between mile markers 0 and 3.9. Nighttime lane closures expected. Completion expected by October 2025.
For real-time traffic information, motorists can call VDOT’s 511 or visit the official traffic information channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major construction projects in the Bristol District from October 27 to November 2, 2025?
The major construction projects include the widening of I-81 southbound between exits 10 and 7, addition of truck climbing lanes on I-81 in Washington and Smyth Counties, extension of the deceleration lane at exit 81 on I-81 southbound in Wythe County, construction of an auxiliary lane southbound between exits 73 and 72 on I-81 in Wythe County, and the widening of Route 11 and I-81 off-ramps at exit 5 in Bristol.
What maintenance activities are scheduled during this period?
Maintenance activities include nighttime bridge deck repairs on I-81 in Smyth County, nighttime paving operations on I-81 in Washington County, and the installation of a temporary traffic count station on I-81 southbound in Bristol.
What is the completion expected for Interstate 81 Route 11 Widening at Exit 5 (Bristol)?
Completion expected by May 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Interstate 81 – Widening (Washington County) | Widening of I-81 southbound between exits 10 and 7, and approximately one mile of northbound I-81 from exit 7 northward. Completion expected by November 2025. |
| Interstate 81 – Truck Climbing Lanes | Addition of truck climbing lanes on I-81 northbound at mile marker 32.4 and southbound at mile marker 34. Completion expected by November 2025. |
| Interstate 81 – Deceleration Lane Extension at Exit 81 | Extension of the deceleration lane on I-81 southbound at exit 81. Completion expected by October 2025. |
| Interstate 81 – Roadway Improvements | Auxiliary southbound lane between exits 73 and 72. Completion expected by Fall 2026. |
| Interstate 81 – Route 11 Widening at Exit 5 | Widening of Route 11 and I-81 off-ramps; completion expected by May 2026. |
| Route 23/58 Intersection Improvements | Left and right turn lanes on Route 23; traffic pattern changes; completion by June 2026. |
| Route 61 Bridge Replacement | Bridge over Cove Creek replaced; width restriction 10 feet 6 inches; completion by September 2026. |
| Front Street Bridge Replacement | Detours; completion by April 2026. |
| Nighttime Maintenance | Bridge deck repairs, paving operations, and temporary traffic count station; completion by October 2025. |
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The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
