News Flash

Beginning on Monday, April 3, the number of parking spaces in the Park and Ride lot at exit 140 off Interstate 81 will be reduced by approximately 50 percent at all times throughout the duration of the current expansion project. There are currently 112 parking spaces in the lot, so drivers should plan for approximately 50 parking spaces being available at any given time during construction through fall of 2017.

The portions of the lot that will be closed will be marked by barricades and no parking signs will be posted. Towing will be enforced. The closest alternate location for the Smart Way Commuter Bus is the Berglund Center at Williamson Road and Orange Avenue.

In addition, a width restriction of 10 feet is currently in place for southbound Route 311 prior to the on-ramp to I-81 northbound.

The Park and Ride construction project began earlier this month. Work will include expansion and improvements to the existing lot that will result in additional parking capacity (from approximately 112 vehicles to approximately 232 vehicles), a designated bus loading area, commuter shelter, bike racks, lighting, landscaping and sidewalks. This will include sidewalk along the west side of Route 311 from the Park and Ride lot to the Salem City limits.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and expect some inconveniences during construction. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2017.

For more information about this project, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/Exit140parkandride.

For additional Park and Ride locations, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/parkride/home.asp.

For more information and schedules on Smart Way Bus, visit http://smartwaybus.com.