SALEM – As part of the construction project to improve the Interstate 581/Route 220 Expressway interchange at Elm Avenue in Roanoke, drivers traveling in the area will notice new traffic patterns and lane closures on Elm Avenue and Interstate 581 beginning this week.
The contractor will be working from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on weeknights to make these changes. This work is weather and work schedule dependent. Drivers should use caution in the area.
On Wednesday morning, July 24, north and southbound I-581/Route 220 Expressway will be reduced to two lanes in each direction as barriers are put in place to separate traffic from the construction area. The southbound off and on ramps will be widened to accommodate two lanes of traffic.
On Thursday morning, July 25, traffic on Elm Avenue will be shifted to the southern side of the bridge over I-581. The road will be reduced to one through lane and one dedicated left turn lane in each direction. Traffic in the through lanes on the bridge will be restricted to 11 feet. A barrier wall will be installed on the north side of the bridge to separate the active work area from traffic.
Citizens are encouraged to check call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org for real time traffic information.
Information about the project can be found online at www.VirginiaDOT.org/ElmAvenue.