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

DATE: SUNDAY, June 4, 1995                   TAG: 9506050046
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROADWATCH

Here are highway and street projects scheduled for this week by the Virginia Department of Transportation and localities. Schedules are subject to change because of weather and contractors.

#Indicates new information.|

BEDFORD COUNTY

#Virginia 811: Work has begun to install a drain. One lane, between U.S. 460 and U.S. 221, is closed during the day; both lanes are open after 6 p.m.

BOTETOURT COUNTY

Interstate 81: I-81 is under construction from milepost 147 (Roanoke County/Botetourt County line) to milepost 168. The section includes exit 150. Some north- and southbound lanes may be closed between milepost 147 and milepost 162. Speed limit is reduced to 55 mph and is strictly enforced. There will be delays; local motorists may wish to consider alternate routes. Work on this section should begin Sunday night and end by noon Friday. For additional information, northbound motorists may tune to radio station 1610 AM; southbound motorists may tune to 530 AM.

U.S. 11: The bridge over Looney Mill Creek is being repaired. Traffic is reduced to one lane, with temporary signals controlling flow. Speed limit is reduced to 35 mph.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Virginia 40: Drainage pipes are being installed under the road in various locations. Although the work is being done off the paved area, be alert for highway workers and equipment.

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

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 being rebuilt. The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph. Construction will continue until fall.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

U.S. 460: Work is being done on the shoulders of the east- and westbound lanes from the road's intersection with Virginia 114 to the Christiansburg bypass.

I-81: Painting work will continue this week on the bridge over Virginia 177 at Exit 109. The work will last about a month, depending on the weather. Also, northbound traffic is reduced to one lane in various places while a guardrail is replaced. Work will continue throughout the week.

Christiansburg: Work has begun to add turn lanes and update the signal at Franklin and Cambria streets.

ROANOKE

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

U.S. 220 (Roy L. Webber Highway): Lanes are being narrowed in both directions during the day Monday through Friday and reduced to one lane at night and on weekends. The U.S. 220 northbound on- and off-ramps at Wonju Street from Colonial Avenue and the southbound Elm Avenue on-ramp at Community Hospital are closed for 45 days. Detour signs are posted. Starting Monday, two lanes of traffic will be shifted to the right side of the Jefferson Street and Albemarle Avenue bridge. On Wednesday, traffic south of Wonju will be shifted to the center heading northbound. Motorists heading south between Virginia 419 and Wal-Mart are not able to turn left onto Southern Hills Drive. Motorists heading north between Wal-Mart and Virginia 419 are not able to turn left onto Valley Avenue. Drivers can use the frontage road as an alternate. These closures will last about 90 days. The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone and is being strictly enforced. Delays can be expected.

ROANOKE COUNTY

U.S. 11: Williamson Road from Plantation Road one mile north is being widened. One lane is open in each direction. The Hollins College entrance and LaMarre Drive are being realigned, and a new signal is being installed. Vehicles wider than 9 feet are prohibited from Plantation Road to Virginia 601.

Virginia 115 (Plantation Road): The intersection of Plantation Road and Virginia 601 (Hollins Road) is being improved by widening a drain, adding turn lanes and installing a traffic signal. Expect traffic delays. Work should be completed by late summer.

by CNB