Under Construction

What's Being Done

In May 2006, a $16.5 million restoration project began at the Interstate 77 mountain tunnels in Bland County. The project, scheduled for completion in fall 2008, includes the replacement of tile on the tunnel walls; foundation and structural refurbishment; and ventilation, drainage and sidewalk repairs.

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Project Updates

Workers are currently performing concrete work and tile repairs inside East River Mountain Tunnel and will begin replacing the ceiling of the southbound tunnel at Big Walker Mountain Tunnel the week of Aprill 21.  

Much of the work, such as the ceiling replacement project, requires 24/7 lane closures for the duration of the repair process.

Motorists are advised to be alert to the possibility of lengthy delays, especially during the afternoon. Morning travel through the work zone is recommended.

To keep motorists informed about travel conditions through the tunnel work zones, VDOT recently established a new toll-free phone number, 1-866-7-TUNNEL. Messages on the toll-free number will give motorists real-time information about how traffic is moving through the tunnel work zones.

In addition to the new toll-free phone number, VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol program will begin patrols along Interstate 77 between Exits 24 and 58 and Interstate 81 between Exits 70 and 86.

VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol assists stranded motorists and provides traffic control during traffic incidents. The patrollers wear bright, highly visible uniforms and drive specially equipped white trucks. When possible, the patrol will:
• Jump start vehicles
• Provide gasoline or diesel fuel
• Provide water
• Change tires
• Start debris removal in the event of an accident
• Provide cellular telephone service to a disabled motorist
• Provide directions and a state map
• Provide CPR and limited first aid until emergency services arrive

VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol will be available to motorists from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day.

Impact on Traffic

With such extensive repairs comes the possibility of extensive backups. VDOT offers these suggestions for motorists (note: wide loads over 12-feet wide must use Route 460 as the detour during lane closures at the tunnels):

- Morning travel is best: During the construction, traffic has been at its peak between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. VDOT recommends morning travel to avoid lengthy delays.

- Detours can save time: Motorists traveling to or through Virginia can consider alternate routes:

o Between West Virginia and Tennessee, Route 19 from Bluefield to Abingdon is suggested. The road is four lanes the entire length. Route 19 can be accessed off Interstate 81 Exit 14 at Abingdon and off I-77 Exit 66 at Bluefield.

o Between Princeton, W.Va., and Blacksburg, Route 460 is suggested. The route is four lanes for the entire length. Route 460 can be accessed off I-77 Exit 9 in West Virginia and off I-81 Exit 118B near Christiansburg.

o Between North Carolina and West Virginia, motorists can use Route 52 from Wytheville to Rocky Gap. Route 52 is a curvy, mountainous road suitable for automobiles but not recommended for box trucks or larger vehicles. This is a reasonable alternative to traveling through the tunnels in the afternoon. It can be accessed in Virginia off I-81 Exit 70 and from Route 460 in Bluefield, W.Va.

Before you begin your trip, call 511 Virginia for the current travel conditions. Motorists outside Virginia can dial (800) 578-4111, a toll-free number.

Also, check the Travel Advisories section of VirginiaDOT.org for lane closure information each week. From the main page, click Travel Advisories, then select southwestern Virginia from the map.

Contacts

Rob Griffith, P.E., 276-988-2566
Andy Fowler, 276-228-5571