Traffic is likely to come to standstill at times later today on a busy southwest Roanoke County road. It’s part of that construction project on US 221, Bent Mountain Road, straightening and widening it as far as Cotton Hill Road. WFIR’s Evan Jones reports on the reason.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/12-14-221-Construction-Wrap-WEB.mp3|titles=12-14 221 Construction Wrap-WEB]Some big bridge beams are supposed to start arriving today, each one about 90 feet long and weighing close to 90,000 pounds. VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond says as each is unloaded, crews will have to shut down Route 221. VDOT officials say each shutdown should last 10 to 15 minutes, but some might take longer. Traffic on nearby roads feeding into US 221 will also be stopped as each beam is unloaded.
Similar traffic disruptions are likely next Monday and Tuesday when more beams are scheduled to come in.
VDOT says the entire project remains on schedule for completion in August of 2013.
