VDOT Prepares for Winter Storm in Southwest Virginia

Bristol, Virginia, October 27, 2025

News Summary

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing for a winter storm hitting Southwest Virginia, with snow accumulation already underway. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to harsh weather conditions. VDOT has allocated $220 million for winter resources, deploying over 2,300 crew members for snow removal. Additionally, officials are addressing the impact of previous flooding in the Bristol District and ongoing infrastructure projects, including public input sessions regarding Interstate developments. Residents are encouraged to utilize traffic resources for real-time updates on road conditions.

Bristol, Virginia — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gearing up for a winter storm expected to hit Southwest Virginia, with snow accumulation already beginning in the area. Officials are advising residents to postpone unnecessary travel due to severe weather conditions. VDOT has allocated a total of $220 million for winter weather resources, ensuring that over 2,300 crew members are available across the state for snow removal efforts.

As part of the winter storm preparations, VDOT crews are also assessing the impact of previous flooding across the Bristol District, where 80 routes remain affected. Preliminary assessments of bridges have already begun, although full evaluations will take place once floodwaters recede.

Motorists in the region are encouraged to utilize resources such as 511virginia.org or call 511 for timely updates on road and traffic conditions, especially during adverse weather. Meanwhile, ongoing infrastructure projects continue to evolve in the Bristol District and surrounding areas.

VDOT is set to host a public input session regarding the studies focused on Interstate 81 Exit 7 and King Mill Pike, providing residents an opportunity to participate in discussions regarding future enhancements to the local transportation network.

In addition to these efforts, Ardent Development Group is looking to establish a new subdivision on 84 rolling acres located about a mile east of Bristol, Virginia, along King Mill Pike. This project aims to support housing needs in the area as population numbers continue to grow.

Another project soon to affect traffic patterns is located near the intersection of Thompson Drive and Stanley Street, adjacent to Abingdon High School. Changes will be implemented to improve safety and traffic flow in this busy area.

Furthermore, VDOT has announced an upcoming traffic alteration in downtown Bristol, which will begin on September 30. This project involves boring work along State Street, Piedmont Avenue, and Moore Street and will last approximately three weeks. Each boring is expected to take about one day, and motorists are advised to consider alternate routes during this period.

Outside of these ongoing projects, researchers from San Diego State University are studying the impact of climate change on heat in rural areas, focusing particularly on farmworkers in the agriculturally rich regions of the United States. This research underlines the broader implications of climate change affecting both urban and rural communities.

In education matters, the Sullivan County director of schools has declined a request from Club America to host an assembly featuring women’s sports advocate Riley G, reflecting ongoing challenges in school engagement with community events.

On a local level, a homeowner in Southwest Virginia is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck a year ago, demonstrating the long-term effects of natural disasters on communities.

Additionally, federal, state, and local officials marked the opening of a nearly three-mile segment of the Coalfields Expressway in Buchanan County, highlighting ongoing infrastructure improvements in the region.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed on both weather-related travel advisories and local project updates as VDOT continues to prioritize safety and infrastructure development in Bristol and beyond.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Road Closures Impacting Bristol This Weekend
Bristol, TN and VA Prepare for Upcoming Snowstorm

Additional Resources

• WCYB: Southwest Virginia Projected for Snow
• Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
• WJHL: VDOT Project to Impact Downtown Bristol Streets
• Google Search: VDOT Bristol
• WCYB: Sign Removal to Close Part of I-81 in Bristol
• Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia Transportation
• WCYB: VDOT on Full Alert for Winter Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: VDOT
• WJHL: Crash Closes Multiple Lanes on I-81 North
• Google News: I-81 Bristol

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.