Published: July 06, 2009 09:31 pm      

VDOT closures ahead

WYTHEVILLE, Va. — Motorists traveling along the Interstate 81 corridor will soon have a longer drive before being able to stop and stretch their legs.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced Monday that 18 rest areas, including several along the I-81 corridor, will be closed effective July 21. The rest area closures are in response to a $2.6 billion revenue shortfall faced by VDOT.

Electronic message signs notifying motorists that the rest areas will close on July 21 are being posted at each location, VDOT spokesman Jeff Caldwell said.

Locally, the I-81 rest area along Rural Retreat in Wythe County will be closed. However, the rest area near Rocky Gap in Bland County will remain open.

VDOT also is planning to close its residency office in Tazewell. The local residency office also provides administrative services for neighboring Bland County.

Caldwell said officials don’t have a closure date yet for the Tazewell office.

“There is nothing in detail at this point,” Caldwell said. “We will announce the residency office closures as we get closer and probably toward the end of the year.”

VDOT officials maintain the closure of the local residency office won’t impact snow removal services in Tazewell County. The snow plows for Tazewell County are currently stored and maintained at the Tazewell Area Headquarters office, which isn’t being closed.

The cuts are one part of a plan called a “Blueprint for the Future” unveiled in February by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. VDOT has proposed reducing its overall staffing levels by 1,000 full-time employees and 450 wage, temporary and hourly staff during the next 18 months.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com