Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 26, 1995                   TAG: 9503270078
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROADWATCH

BOTETOURT COUNTY

Alternate U.S. 220: The final 1.8 miles are being expanded to a four-lane divided highway ending at U.S. 460 in Roanoke County. Traffic is using all lanes, but temporary lane closings may occur. Speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. A new traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of Virginia 654 (Read Mountain Road); be alert for changes in traffic flow.

Virginia 654 (Read Mountain Road): In the Cloverdale area, 1.8 miles are being widened east of U.S. 11 to Alternate U.S. 220.

U.S. 11: The bridge over Looney Mill Creek is being repaired. Traffic is reduced to one lane, with temporary signals controlling traffic flow. Speed limit is reduced to 35 mph. Vehicles wider than 11 feet are prohibited from about 0.4 mile north of the intersection with Interstate 81 at Exit 162 to just south of Exit 167. The first half of the repairs are finished.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

U.S. 220 business (North Main Street): In Rocky Mount, the road is being widened to four lanes to the U.S. 220 bypass.

Virginia 605: In Henry, the road is being widened from Virginia 606 to 0.7 mile east of Virginia 770.

Virginia 619: From the Henry County line to Virginia 890, 2.4 miles are being widened and paved.

Virginia 623: Near Ingramville, the road is being widened and the bridge replaced. Work runs from Virginia 778 to Virginia 605.

Virginia 783: In Endicott, the bridge over Runnett Bag Creek is being replaced. Athough the new bridge is open to traffic, some work remains to be done, so use caution in the work zone. Estimated completion is spring.

HENRY COUNTY

U.S. 58: The 4.6 miles from Virginia 684 to Spencer are being widened to four lanes. Traffic has been shifted onto the new lanes while a bridge is rebuilt. Speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph.

ROANOKE

Wells Avenue: The road has opened to traffic, although temporary lane closures may occur while lane-widening work continues. Watch for signs and flaggers.

Pedestrian bridge: Construction is under way on the pedestrian bridge connecting Hotel Roanoke with First Union Tower. Shenandoah and Norfolk avenues are open. Delays may occur for short periods, and traffic may be reduced to one lane.

ROANOKE COUNTY

U.S. 220 (Roy L. Webber Highway): Work is under way to widen the expressway from four to six lanes from Elm Avenue to Virginia 419. A concrete traffic barrier has been placed on the inside shoulder to separate traffic from the work area. Bridge deck repairs and drainage work also will be done. Lanes will be narrowed to two 11-foot lanes in each direction during the day and could be reduced to one lane in each direction at night and during weekends. Speed limit is reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Traffic delays can be expected.

U.S. 11: Williamson Road (U.S. 11) from Plantation Road one mile north is being widened. One lane of traffic is flowing in each direction. Traffic is using the new side of the bridge at Hollins College. Vehicles wider than 9 feet are prohibited from Plantation Road to Virginia 601.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

Interstate 81: Grading, drainage and paving are under way at all interchanges and crossovers from the Botetourt County line to the Augusta County line. Shoulders are closed at various locations. The right lane will be closed at times at Exit 175, and Exit 180 north and southbound lanes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.