by Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety, and justice reporter
Photo courtesy: Virginia Department of Transportation
Construction on I-81 near Salem, aimed at improving safety with added lanes and widening projects, has created work zones that increase the risk of accidents due to narrowed lanes, sudden lane shifts, and uneven surfaces. Drivers must follow posted speed limits and remain cautious in these areas to avoid collisions. This becomes even more important during the bad weather the New River and Roanoke Valleys have seen in recent days.
Why it matters: Implementing the necessary measures to protect everyone on the road and the cooperation of travelers in following posted guidelines are crucial to keeping families and friends within our community safe.
- Construction began in December 2021 on the section between exits 137 and 140 to widen the road to three lanes and is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The big picture: The shoulders are closed off, forcing vehicles to stay within the narrower lanes, which are often merged or shifted to accommodate the construction zone. Signs encouraging attentiveness within these zones are posted.
- “I have a big fear around the construction zones, the roads are narrow and there isn’t much space for cars if something were to occur,” said Tulio Ceballos, Junior at Virginia Tech.
- The ground is uneven in several places, creating bumps and dips that disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, presenting a challenging and somewhat chaotic driving environment.
- “There is definitely an increased wear and tear on my car due to rocks and potholes, and the construction markers and signs are not easy to follow; they typically have only one sign instead of multiple throughout,” said Laura Funes Quiñones, who uses I-81 to commute to and from work.
- The implementation of consistent and clearer signage, visible and reflective lane markings, and upkeep of road conditions are needed to ensure safety and minimize disruption for travelers.
Yes, but: Travelers must also be vigilant and adhere to posted signals, where increased hazards are present, which encourage safe driving behavior, such as reducing speed and following lane keeping signs, ensuring their own safety as well as the safety of others.
- “Switching lanes and exceeding the speed limit in these areas puts everyone at risk, but people seem not to care and ignore what is meant to keep themselves and others safe” Quiñones said.
- By ignoring safety guidelines, the risk within these zones increases immensely, contradicting the purpose of the project of creating safer travel conditions despite efforts to encourage safer and precautions within these areas.
- “The zones are maintained well, but it is others who bring danger in these areas due to their carelessness while driving,” Ceballos said.
What we’re watching: With construction in the area estimated to last year-round, the consideration of enforcing penalties and fines to maintain safety guidelines is underway.
- While authorities can create safer environments with better signage, lane markings, and road upkeep, it’s ultimately up to drivers to follow rules, adjust their behavior, and reduce risk.
- “It would be a lot easier to navigate if everyone did their part to keep each other safe,” Ceballos said.
Maintaining a safer road environment is a shared responsibility between drivers and construction workers, as their cooperation is essential to ensuring safe driving in construction zones through collective vigilance and active participation.
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