VDOT News - Bristol

Bristol, VA – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Phillips Construction, LLC, Henderson, Ky., will begin a project to improve traffic flow at Interstate 81 exit 17 in Abingdon in February.

The $13 million construction project includes improvements to the Exit 17 northbound on and off ramps, improvements to a segment of Route 75, reconstruction and relocation of Gravel Lake Road, and relocation of the frontage road located adjacent to the northbound exit 17 off ramp (Commerce Drive).

Bundled with the planned exit 17 project is an Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) project that extends the southbound acceleration lane at exit 17.

The overall value of the project, including design, right of way and construction, is approximately $35 million ($3 million from the I-81 CIP). The majority of the project was funded through VDOT’s Smart SCALE program, a statewide prioritization process used to objectively select transportation projects to be funded. 

Periodic short-term lane closures will be necessary during construction. Motorists are advised to be alert to work zone signs forewarning of lane closures and other changes in the work zone.

The project is anticipated to be completed Fall 2022.  (END)

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