VDOT and the Interstate Bridges

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

I have not heard back from VDOT yet regarding the request that was made last month about exploring options to help minimize the blocking of the intersection at Main Street and Whitetop Road. I will update you once I do.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months. I have received a letter from them stating that they will be requesting a new utility easement from the town as part of this project’s planning. Once I have details on their specific request, I will update you.

In the September 10, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

I have reached out to VDOT to request their consideration for improvements to the intersection at Whitetop Road and Main Street in hopes of minimizing blocking of the intersection by traffic. Given that this busy intersection is located between our town’s traffic light and the railroad crossing, it’s a very congested area and often gets blocked by idling vehicles. This causes added congestion and makes it difficult for vehicles to turn, which is an impediment to our local business community. The issue of this intersection has been brought to my attention by concerned community members, elected officials, and local business owners. I had requested that VDOT look into this previously with no success, but the town has had very good communication with the new VDOT leadership team and is hopeful that a solution can be found moving forward.

Officials from VDOT, the Town of Chilhowie, Smyth County School Administration, Chilhowie High School, and Chilhowie Middle School held a brief dedication ceremony on August 10th to recognize the joint effort that culminated in the improvements to the crosswalks across U.S. Highway 11 that serve our high and middle schools. As I’ve stated before, I am grateful for VDOT’s assistance in helping make our crosswalks safer for our young Warriors and also for visitors to our community who come to attend our sporting events.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the August 13, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

You may have already seen that the new crosswalk signs for the two crosswalks at Chilhowie Middle School and Chilhowie High School are now installed. In talks with the principals of both schools last year, increased safety at these crossings was stated as one of their priorities they hoped to address. The combination of their concerns and those expressed by you as elected officials prompted the initial conversations with VDOT, and I am hopeful that this new and more visible signage will improve pedestrian safety. In addition to the signage being taller and brighter, there is lighting than can be activated by pedestrians when crossing. This is a great example of a very beneficial project coming to fruition when local leaders and state agencies work together to benefit our community!

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the July 9, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

You may have already seen that the new crosswalk signs for the two crosswalks at Chilhowie Middle School and Chilhowie High School are now installed. In talks with the principals of both schools last year, increased safety at these crossings was stated as one of their priorities they hoped to address. The combination of their concerns and those expressed by you as elected officials prompted the initial conversations with VDOT, and I am hopeful that this new and more visible signage will improve pedestrian safety. In addition to the signage being taller and brighter, there is lighting than can be activated by pedestrians when crossing. This is a great example of a very beneficial project coming to fruition when local leaders and state agencies work together to benefit our community!

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the June 11, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage. All signs and poles have now arrived at VDOT, are currently being calibrated, and are slated to be installed within the next two months.

A public meeting was held on May 7th to provide the public an opportunity to comment of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) Six Year Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2027-2032. While I was unable to attend in person this year, I did provide written requests that the interchange at Exit 35 be addressed in hopes of improving public safety and visibility when turning off the ramps onto Whitetop Road.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the May 14, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage. All signs and poles are on order and should arrive in time to be installed before the end of this school year.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the April 9, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage. All signs and poles are on order and should arrive in time to be installed before the end of this school year.

Over this past winter I received numerous compliments about the condition of the roads in our community and how well they were cleaned during snow events. I have thanked VDOT for the great partnership that allows Chilhowie staff to salt and scrape our streets and roads.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the March 12, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage and is currently researching the best options our community. I conferred with VDOT this past week and they will soon be presenting two options for consideration. Once the final design is determined, the new signs will be ordered and, hopefully, installation will occur before May.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the February 12, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Area Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage and is currently researching the best options our community. Hopefully now that we are past the holidays, we can get momentum on making this project a reality.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.

In the January 8, 2026 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Area Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage and is currently researching the best options our community. I hope to have further updates for you by next month.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

In the December 11, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Area Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.

Currently, the town, VDOT, and the Smyth County School Board are looking into options for an additional crosswalk at Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, as well as improved signage or other ways to increase safety for our students.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

In the November 13, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Area Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange.

I have also requested that VDOT look into possible options for improved signage for our business community located on the west side of Main Street, as well as on the east side in the town’s Historic District.

I plan to attend the I-81 Corridor Improvement Session at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center on October 27th. Please provide me any inputs or recommendations that you would like me to present.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

In the October 9, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Mr. Matthew Lewis and other VDOT staff members visited Chilhowie on two different occasions over the past month to meet with both Mayor Heninger and Councilman Jeter to hear their concerns about safety at Exit 35 as well as other matters around the town.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

In the September 11, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

The drainage issues related to the damaged metal grate on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds have now been completed. Final construction was wrapped up two weeks ago. This has resulted in a much-improved drainage system, while improving traffic safety and reducing the possibility of damage to vehicles that may erroneously drive over the grate. I reached out to VDOT to express our town’s thanks for finalizing this project after two years of planning.

At Mayor Heninger’s request, I reached out to VDOT to request the most recent traffic count information for our community. Attached to this report is the 2023 data that shows average daily traffic counts for both northbound and southbound lanes on Interstate 81 at Exit 35 as well as all lanes of travel at our town’s main intersection of U.S. Highway 11 and State Route 107.

Upon the departure of his predecessor, one of Chilhowie’s native sons has been appointed as interim Residency Administrator for the Abingdon Residency. Mr. Matthew Lewis is serving in this temporary capacity in addition to his primary role as Maintenance Director for the Bristol District of Interstates 81 and 77. I wish him well in this role.

After hearing the concerns of multiple business owners on Main Street, I reached out to VDOT to request that they look into signage options that could help better highlight our town’s historic district and the businesses located there. I hope to have information to share with you later this year.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

In the August 14, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

The drainage issues related to the damaged metal grate on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds have not yet been completed. The replacement of the drainage basin and grate were slated to occur before July 1st. I have reached out to VDOT to determine a new timeline for the project.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

The bridge project on Whitetop Road has been completed. The substructure is now completely sanded and refurbished.

I will be attending VDOT’s I-81 Solutions Public Meeting in Bristol on July 16th. At this meeting I will again express the town’s sincere desire to see a resolution to the safety issues at the Exit 35 interchange. Additionally, if you have other issues you would like me to address with VDOT, please let me know.

In the July 10, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

The drainage issues related to the damaged metal grate on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds is slated to be repaired before July 1. The new concrete drainage tiles have been delivered to the VDOT shop in Chilhowie and the town will be notified prior to replacement.

I represented Chilhowie on May 13th at the VDOT Public Hearing for the Six-Year Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in Abingdon.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

As you can see, the bridge refurbishment project on the Whitetop Road bridge between McDonalds and the H.L. Bonham House is now underway. The purpose of the project is to sandblast and repaint much of the metal substructure that supports the roadway of the bridge. According to the VDOT contractor for this project, Elite Contractors, Inc., the project is set to be complete within two to three weeks. Lane closures will be kept to an absolute minimum, if needed at all. However, the sidewalk will be closed for the duration of the project.

In the June 12, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Mayor Heninger and I met with VDOT representatives late last month to discuss options for addressing pedestrian safety concerns at the Exit 35 interchange. While everyone agrees that it is a valid concern, there are still the constraints placed on VDOT by the Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration. we continue to look into any and all options to address this issue and continue to stay in contact with VDOT on a regular basis.

The drainage issues related to the damaged metal grate on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds is slated to be repaired before July 1. The new concrete drainage tiles have been delivered to the VDOT shop in Chilhowie and the town will be notified prior to replacement.

As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated to be for 30 months.

A bridge project is also scheduled for the Whitetop Road/Highway 107 bridge in town. Project mobilization is slated to begin on June 22nd and traffic will be impacted by lane closures for the period planned to perform repairs to the bridge, including blast cleaning and painting. Project completion is currently scheduled for July 11th. During this period, the Town’s walking trail from the H.L. Bonham House to the Town Park that runs under the 107 bridge will be closed on a temporary basis.

In the May 8, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

I have attached a copy of the email chain between myself and VDOT representatives in the Abingdon Residency. Additionally, Mayor Heninger and I met with VDOT leaders on Monday, April 7th to discuss status of several projects within the town. They stated that the Bridge Division is still studying feasible options to address the pedestrian safety issues under the Interstate bridge at Exit 35. At the request of the town, they are also studying the possibility of rumble strips on the approach to the bridges to slow vehicular traffic.

The drainage issues related to the damaged metal grate on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds is slated to be repaired before July 1. The new concrete drainage tiles have been delivered to the VDOT shop in Chilhowie and the town will be notified prior to replacement.

On March 17, I emailed Mr. Chris Eggleston, an engineer with VDOT, to inquire about the status of the upcoming bridge replacement project on Interstate 81 near mile marker 34. I have attached his response to this report. Construction is currently slated to begin sometime in the Spring of 2027 with construction timeline estimated at 30 months. Both the northbound and southbound bridges are scheduled for replacement. In addition to disruptions to travel for members of our community, my primary concern for this period is response times and travel routes for our First Responders.

In the April 10, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

I have emailed Mr. Jeff Harrison and Ms. Pam Heath to inquire about the status of the replacement of the drain tile on Whitetop Road across from McDonalds. I will update you when I receive a response.

In the March 13, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Last month I was requested to contact our state legislators about the community’s ongoing concerns about safety at the Interstate 81 exchange at Exit 35 prior to their departure for the 2025 General Assembly, which convened on January 8th. A copy of this letter was provided to you in last month’s Town Council meeting agenda. I received a telephone response from our legislators stating that they would look into this matter while they are in Richmond for the current session of the General Assembly.

will no longer need to rely on a TRAN as a protective measure to be able to satisfy the town’s debts.

In the February 13, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

Last month I was requested to contact our state legislators prior to their departure for the 2025 General Assembly, which convened on January 8th. I have attached a copy of my letter to them requesting that they look into possible ways to help move forward solutions to the traffic issues at the intersection of I-81 and Whitetop Road.

In the January 9, 2025 report

VDOT Communications

I have corresponded by email with Mr. Jeff Harrison, the Residency Administrator for our area, to get updates on the requests you instructed your staff to undertake. Mr. Harrison informed me that the traffic study at the intersection of I-81 and Whitetop Road has been completed and determined that the traffic count and low number of accidents deemed that this area does not warrant a traffic light.

Your request for VDOT to study options for safer pedestrian transit has been sent to their Bridge Division and results are still pending.

The replacement of the drain tile near McDonalds is still planned but has understandably been delayed by Hurricane Helene recovery and the need to completely rebuild roads in our region.

I approved a VDOT request to access the town’s property at the Town Shop to conduct surveying related to the upcoming improvements to I-81, which may see the addition of a third lane in coming years.

In the December 12, 2024 report

VDOT Correspondence

On September 25, I wrote an email to Mr. Jeff Harrison, Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation Abingdon Residency, to thank him for the prompt attention that his staff provided the town in our preparations for the 70th Chilhowie Apple Festival. I value the good working relationship he and I have developed and I am hopeful that this will benefit the town going forward.

In the October 10, 2024 report

VDOT Letter and Meeting

At your direction, I drafted a letter to Mr. Jeff Harrison, the Residency Administrator for VDOT’s Abingdon Residency, to express your concerns brought up at our August meeting. My letter and his response are included in your agenda packet.

In addition to his email response, Mr. Harrison also met with me and other town staff (Felicia Eller, Danny Combs, Tyler Keene, and Chris Johnson) at the Chilhowie VDOT site to discuss in person several matters, one of which is the town’s contracting with VDOT for snow removal and salt spreading on state-maintained streets and roads.

Prior to this meeting, Ms. Eller had worked diligently to get the town set up for this year in VDOT’s “Plow4Virginia” web portal. As she worked through a newly updated website that proved to be challenging to navigate, she was ultimately able to get the town signed up (pats on the back for her efforts). As she and Mr. Combs were explaining to me how both the website and the entire VDOT contracting system is set up I was made aware that the town had not requested an hourly rate increase from the state in the three years since we started this program. Therefore, I authorized Ms. Eller to request an hourly rate increase of 66% (from $100 per hour to $150 per hour).

In the September 12, 2024 report