VDOT opens 581 ramps near Valley View Boulevard to ease holiday travel

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ROANOKE (WSLS10) - According to Triple A, around 1.3 million Virginians are expected to journey more than 50-miles this holiday season. That's why Roanoke police want drivers to buckle up, keep distractions to a minimum, and be aware of increased traffic. We learned VDOT is working to alleviate road congestion and confusion for drivers in that area.

For the first in a long time, two lanes will be open on the 581 entrance and exit ramps near Valley View Boulevard. VDOT has also, opened all lanes near Target to improve the traffic flow. Some holiday travelers we spoke to are taking notice of the road changes.

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With hours left to get the turkey ready, the mass of last minute shoppers head to stores along Valley View Boulevard -- hustling to get preparations underway before family arrives.

"There will be twelve of us there by tonight," said Paul Bowman.

With family driving in from Maryland and Richmond, Bowman, is glad to see some of the construction clearing near Target and 581.

"Most people between the eight to nine o'clock hour are on the roads all day long, because of the holiday," said Bowman. "This does help. It seems much better this morning."

Construction engineer, Robbie Williams, said VDOT plans to suspend work zones and lift lane closures along the highways during the five-day Thanksgiving travel peak. However, the right lane closure along 581 northbound between Liberty Street and 10th Street will stay.

The idea: to eliminate as much traffic and road confusion as possible.

"Our contractors and sub-contractors are all on site," said Williams. "They've been working diligently for days now to try to get Valley View Boulevard open."

Tuesday, workers laid asphalt and painted lines on the entrance and exit ramps of 581 near Valley View Boulevard. Williams said the number of cones will also be reduced significantly.

"We may have some to mark certain hazards and to help channel traffic where needed," said Williams. "But, we're going to pull as many of those back as we can."

Williams says there will be some work over the holiday weekend, but out of the way from traffic. It's an effort to help families like Bowman's navigate the roads with ease.

To be clear -- this road project isn't done yet. The entire project is set to finish in the spring of 2016.

But, if you're looking to keep an eye on the roads this holiday weekend, download our WSLS app where you can click on traffic to see the latest conditions.