A $12.9 million project to enhance safety on Route 33 (Rawley Pike) in western Rockingham County, Virginia, was scheduled to begin construction on or about Dec. 11. The 1.25-mile-long project extends from Laurel Wood Lane to a half-mile east of Switzer Lake Road near the West Virginia border. This portion of Route 33 is a mountainous stretch of road with several sharp curves.
During the roughly 18-month project, contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation will enhance safety by widening travel lanes and shoulders and improving curves.
When construction begins, Route 33 motorists should be alert for 24/7 shoulder closures and flagger traffic control as needed.
Beginning in January 2024, pilot trucks will control traffic during daylight hours. Due to the length of the work zone and occasional controlled-blasting operations, Route 33 drivers may experience delays of 20 minutes or longer.
Motorists should also be alert for slow-moving tractor trailers and construction vehicles between the Rawley Springs area of Rockingham County, Virginia, and the West Virginia state line.
On Oct. 20, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $12,944,921 construction contract to A.L.L. Construction Inc. of Mount Storm. The project has a contract completion date of June 19, 2025. All work is weather permitting.
Obtain traffic alerts and traveler information by dialing 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org. For other assistance, call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR- ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.