ROANOKE (WSLS10) - Construction on a major interchange along Valley View Boulevard is near completion after nearly two years of work.
Dirt roads soon to be on and off-ramps nestle Interstate 581 near Valley View Boulevard.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation said the northbound ramp onto I-581 will open in May. Right now, workers are finishing laying dirt down and the next step is paving.
Drivers like Pamela Price, a mother of two, said she's looking forward to the day she doesn't have to navigate through the orange cones.
"It does take a little bit longer," commented Price. "Especially, yesterday when I had to get the weekly groceries. Being able to come out here and get my son from pre-school took a little bit longer and we were running a little bit behind."
Good news for Price and other drivers, Jason Bond, a spokesperson with VDOT, said road congestion should clear soon.
He said when the northbound ramp opens in May, that should eliminate some traffic.
Then in June, Bond said construction on the I-581 southbound ramp onto Valley View Boulevard will finish. At that point, the entire diverging diamond interchange will be open to traffic.
"To figure out the traffic patterns of how to get on the interstate, it's always been challenging for drivers because, they can get in one way but, they have to get out a different way," said Bond. "Now, they'll have more options for how to get in and out of Valley View Boulevard."
Bond added this is a $63.9 million project that will hopefully not only bring in more people, but businesses too.
"I understand that Roanoke is growing and a lot more businesses are coming and so, the construction is necessary for the area to thrive," commented Price.
Bond said the entire road project, adding sound walls and traffic lights, will finish this fall. At that time he said the majority of the orange cones will be cleared. Although seeding and work along the shoulders could require short-term lane closures.