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

DATE: SUNDAY, April 30, 1995                   TAG: 9505020096
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

ROADWATCH

BOTETOURT COUNTY

#Interstate 81: From milepost 147 to milepost 168, I-81 is under construction to repair the concrete pavement and overlay it with asphalt. Work will be done in several north- and southbound locations simultaneously. Speed limit is reduced to 55 mph throughout the area and is being strictly enforced. From 9 a.m. today, the right northbound lane from the Virginia 648 bridge (mile marker 147) to the truck scales will be closed. Starting at noon Monday, the right southbound lane at the Virginia 651 overpass (mile marker 152) will be closed. The southbound lane should reopen by noon Friday . Vehicles wider than 14 feet are prohibited through these areas. Starting about 7 p.m. Thursday, the left northbound lane at the Tinker Creek bridge (mile marker 149) will be closed. Vehicles wider than 11 feet are prohibited. For additional information, northbound motorists can tune to radio station 1610 AM; southbound motorists can tune to radio station 530 AM. There will be traffic delays; local motorists may wish to consider alternate routes.

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 Virginia 654 (Read Mountain Road); be alert for changes in traffic flow.

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. Traffic has been switched over so that work can begin on the other side of the bridge.

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 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.

GILES COUNTY

U.S. 460: The westbound lanes of U.S. 460 between Newport and Pembroke are being resurfaced. Temporary lane closures will occur; work will take another week to complete.

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.

PULASKI COUNTY

#Interstate 81: The southbound lanes from Exit 94 to the Wythe County line will be paved. Temporary lane closures may occur. Work may be finished midweek.

Virginia 658: The deck of the bridge over I-81 near Draper is being repaired. Work should take about a month.

Interstate 81: One northbound lane of I-81 at milepost 97 is closed because of work on the bridge over Virginia 644.

ROANOKE

Hollins Road: The portion of the road at the railroad crossing near the Norfolk Southern East End Shops is closed while the adjacent bridge over Lick Run Channel is replaced. No detour has been created. Access to downtown and the southeast section of the city can made be by using Orange Avenue and Williamson Road.

Wells Avenue: The road has opened to traffic, although temporary lane closings may occur while work continues on widening lanes. 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): The expressway is being widened from four to six lanes from Elm Avenue to Virginia 419. A concrete traffic barrier on the inside shoulder separates traffic from the work area. Bridge deck repairs and drainage work also are being done. Lanes are narrowed to two 11-foot lanes in each direction during the day and may be reduced to one lane at night and on weekends. As of April 15, the northbound on-ramp at Wonju Street from Colonial Avenue was closed for 45 to 60 days. Speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone and is strictly enforced. Traffic delays can be expected.

#U.S. 11: Williamson Road from Plantation Road one mile north is being widened. One lane of traffic is flowing in each direction. The Hollins College entrance and LaMarre Drive are being realigned. Vehicles wider than 9 feet are prohibited from Plantation Road to Virginia 601.