FRIDAY UPDATE: VDOT says one southbound lane on US 220 near Boones Mill must remain closed until further notice. In addition, the recent heavy rains and flooding have resulted in several slope and should failures between Clearbrook and Boones Mill, and as a result, additional lane closures are needed on 220 — and significant delays are likely at times until the repairs can be made.
VDOT news release: 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.
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.
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).
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.
THURSDAY: VDOT officials say one southbound lane of US 220 near Boones Mill will remain closed at least into tomorrow. Spokesperson Jen Ward says the lane was shut down yesterday over concerns it might be undermined, and while a preliminary inspection suggests it could be re-opened whil repairs are made, this is no time to take chances:
She says VDOT hopes to determine tomorrow whether the lane can be re-opened. The closure caused considerable southbound backups during yesterday’s afternoon commute.
PREVIOUSLY FROM VDOT: The left lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. The lane closure begins approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road). Drivers should prepare for travel delays and plan accordingly. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. Virginia Department of Transportation crews are currently investigating to determine what repairs need to be made. The lane will remain closed until further notice.For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org.
