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SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Saturday, September 29, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards. VDOT will place signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Watch for the speed limit to be reduced from 65 mph to 45 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass to the speedway interchange. From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track. From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane. From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track. Those attending the race should closely follow directional information.

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FLOODING CONTINUES TO IMPACT TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE REGION TONIGHT - Drivers should plan to check Virginia 511 before their Friday morning commute

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – Throughout the afternoon and evening, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have been responding to the immediate concerns of downed trees, mudslides and high water throughout southwestern Virginia. Crews will continue to monitor roadways overnight. As of 10 p.m., roads in all 12 counties of the district have been affected by the heavy rainfall resulting in numerous closures of primary and secondary roads today. Some of the primary roads affected include portions of Interstate 81, Route 220 through Roanoke and Franklin County, Route 419 in Roanoke, Route 58 in Patrick County and Route 57 in Henry County. As streams and rivers swell and water recedes, conditions will continue to change, so motorists should drive with caution and check the latest road conditions before travelling tomorrow morning. The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . To access the list of flooded roads, look for the text views section of the site and search under road conditions. VDOT encourages motorists to stay off the roads tonight, if possible, and not to drive through ponding water or around barricades. As water recedes, VDOT will inspect structures and roadways before they can reopen or be repaired. Some roads may require lengthy closures depending on the extent of damage and how soon repairs can be completed. To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For emergencies, dial 911. Follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva for the latest updates on road conditions.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: ROUTE 220 AT ELECTRIC ROAD IN ROANOKE COUNTY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – Route 220 north and south at Route 419 (Electric Road) in the Southern Hills area of Roanoke County is closed due to flooding. Drivers will need to seek alternate routes as the road will remain closed until the water recedes. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. Roads throughout the area may also experience flash flooding conditions as heavy rains continue through the evening. Drivers should use caution, drive with care and expect delays on their commute home from work today. If you see water across a road, turn around. Do not attempt to cross and or go around barricades that have closed a road. The Virginia Department of Transportation will be monitoring road conditions overnight. To report road conditions and downed trees, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For updates on this lane closure and others around the district, visit www.511Virginia.org . Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates in our region at @511southwestva and @VaDOTSalem.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: ROUTE 220 LANE CLOSURES WILL HEAVILY IMPACT TRAFFIC TONIGHT THROUGH NEXT WEEK IN FRANKLIN AND ROANOKE COUNTIES - Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Fri, 12 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County. High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend. Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road). Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

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FLOODING AND DOWNED TREES IMPACTING TRAVEL THROUGHOUT SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA TODAY

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Fri, 12 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – The gusty winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Michael yesterday created flooded roads, downed trees and power lines in western Virginia. As of 11 a.m., approximately 140 roads are closed or affected in the 12 counties of VDOT’s Salem District. Crews are currently clearing debris and assessing roads throughout the region, coordinating with emergency and utility crews and making or scheduling repairs where possible. In some areas, water will need to recede before a road can be investigated or repaired. Their focus today will be to make roads safe and passable for traffic. If extensive repairs are needed, they will be coordinated and scheduled at a later date. Drivers are encouraged to continue to monitor road conditions in your area prior to traveling. The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . For information on specific roads, citizens can access the Road Table under the text views section of the site. To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. Drivers who are traveling today are reminded of the following: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle. Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety. Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas. Be alert for tree limbs and other debris in the roadway. Even small branches and other debris can damage a car or cause the driver to lose control. If you come across a downed power line, do not try to move it. Contact your local authorities. For updates throughout the day, follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva for the latest updates on road conditions.

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I-81 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PLAN MEETING TO BE HELD WITH FALL TRANSPORTATION MEETING ON OCTOBER 25 IN ROANOKE

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Wed, 17 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – In conjunction with the regularly scheduled fall transportation meeting for the Salem District, the third and final meeting in the series to receive input on the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan will be held on October 25 at the Holiday Inn Valley View located at 3315 Ordway Drive NW in Roanoke. Prior to the Interstate 81 meeting, the fall transportation meeting will start at 2 p.m. Attendees can view displays to learn about transportation planning, interact with subject matter experts, and review the proposed local and regional projects that have been submitted for scoring through SMART SCALE, an objective, data-driven prioritization process to score projects according to critical transportation needs. The Interstate 81 meeting will begin at approximately 3 p.m. and will focus on recommended projects and funding sources. Following a presentation, there will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments about the I-81 study. Individual formal comment will be limited to three minutes. Feedback will be considered as team members finalize the I-81 corridor study and prepare a draft plan report in the fall. Recommendations will be presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) for adoption prior to the opening of the 2019 General Assembly session. For those who cannot attend the meeting, comments can be submitted as follows: Fall Transportation Meeting I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan Meeting Meeting materials will be available October 15 at www.ctb.virginia.gov/planning/fallmeetings/ The comment period ends on December 13. Highway Comments VDOT Infrastructure Investment Director, Mail : 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond VA, 23219 Email : Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov Rail and Public Transit Comments DRPT Public Information Officer Mail : 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219 Email : DRPTPR@DRPT.Virginia.gov Meeting materials will be available October 18 at www.VA81Corridor.org The comment period ends on November 30 Send comments to Ben Mannell at Mail : 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond VA, 23219 Email : VA81CorridorPlan@OIPI.Virginia.gov

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VDOT ENCOURAGES RACE FANS TO FOLLOW SIGNS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY - Drivers traveling from Roanoke to the race should plan ahead for possible delays on Route 220 southbound

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Mon, 22 Oct 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Sunday, October 28, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards. Drivers travelling from Roanoke to the Martinsville Speedway for the race events this weekend should plan for possible delays due to a left lane closure on Route 220 southbound approaching the Boones Mill area. VDOT will place many signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. A left lane closure is in place for a pipe failure in the median about eight miles south of Roanoke and 1.7 miles north of Boones Mill. Drivers can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway. The entrance is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access. Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway. From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track. From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Route 220 northbound traffic will split into three lanes shortly before reaching the speedway. Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane. From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track. ADA Parking: Race fans needing ADA Parking are encouraged to enter the Speedway via Old Sand Roa Those attending the race should closely follow directional information and plan to arrive early and expect heavy traffic and delays. Martinsville Speedway has shared the attached graphics for drivers entering and exiting from the race.

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CLOSURE OF EXIT 143 AT I-81 AND I-581 DUE TO CRASH TO IMPACT MORNING COMMUTE - Drivers will need to seek alternate routes and allow for extra travel time this morning

By www.virginiadot.org
Published On :: Thu, 08 Nov 2018 24:00:00 GMT-8

SALEM – A crash involving a tractor-trailer has closed exit 143 on I-81 this morning. Access to I-81 from I-581 and access to I-581 from I-81 has been impacted and drivers will need to seek alternate routes during the morning commute. I-81 southbound to exit 143 with access to I-581 southbound is closed. Travelers on southbound I-81 requiring access to I-581 will need to use Route 11 to Peters Creek Road or use Route 460 at exit 150 to return to I-581 or to access the downtown Roanoke area. I-581 northbound to I-81 southbound is closed. Travelers on I-581 from Roanoke heading to Salem using I-81 will need to use Peters Creek Road or other side roads for access back to I-81 at exit 141. In addition, drivers traveling on I-81 northbound and from I-581 to access northbound I-81 should expect delays and heavy congestion. The right lane of I-81 northbound at exit 143 is also closed. Drivers should expect delays in this area through at least 8 a.m. and further delays are possible through the morning.

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