Sullivan County: Lone Star Road detour. Drivers using State Route 347 between Christy Drive and Potato Hill Road should check the current detour before traveling through the area. A culvert replacement project closed this stretch to through traffic, and the October 1–7 state construction report continued to list the closure. An earlier project notice gave a September 30 target, so travelers should confirm the latest status rather than rely on that original date.

Horse Creek bridge: expect one-lane traffic. The State Route 93 bridge over Horse Creek has been reduced to a single lane controlled by temporary traffic signals as bridge widening continues. Motorists should prepare to stop, follow the signals and allow extra travel time.

Kingsport area: daytime lane closures possible. On State Route 126 between East Center Street and John B. Dennis Highway, construction has brought the possibility of weekday lane restrictions, generally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Drivers may encounter brief stops and work crews.

Unicoi County: I-26 resurfacing. Resurfacing between mile markers 27 and 36 on Interstate 26 may bring lane restrictions in either direction. This is an important travel corridor for people headed toward Erwin and the North Carolina mountains. Watch for slower traffic and give crews room to work.

Bristol, Virginia: nighttime work on I-81. The Virginia transportation advisory for October 12–18 identifies overnight bridge-deck repairs in both directions near Exit 3. Drivers should also watch for other interstate maintenance operations and signs announcing temporary traffic changes.

Washington County, Virginia: bridge work near mile marker 9. A northbound I-81 bridge replacement is underway where the interstate crosses Old Dominion Road. A one-lane signal controls traffic on Old Dominion Road beneath the interstate. The project has a projected completion date in May 2027.

Abingdon: a new roundabout takes shape. Construction is underway at Thompson Drive and Stanley Street. The project is expected to continue into 2027, making it worth watching for traffic pattern adjustments as work progresses.

Bristol's Lee Highway: a major investment ahead. A roughly $38.1 million project is planned for Route 11 between Alexis Drive and Old Airport Road. The proposal includes two travel lanes in each direction, turn lanes at signalized intersections, a raised median, sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Published project information contains differing estimated construction dates, so the start and completion schedule should be treated as tentative.

What drivers should do. Construction schedules can shift with weather, materials and field conditions. Check Tennessee's SmartWay traffic information or Virginia's 511 service before taking a route affected by an announced closure. Follow posted detours rather than relying entirely on a navigation app, reduce speed in work zones and give yourself extra time for medical appointments, school pickups and other time-sensitive trips.