Detour signs in Lovers Leap area to be used during emergencies

As part of the ongoing road widening project on U.S. 58 on Lovers Leap Mountain in Patrick County, signs have been posted denoting a detour that will only be implemented during emergencies or other incidents as needed.

he Virginia Department of Transportation and contractor Branch Civil Inc. are reminding drivers that the signs that are fluorescent pink in color do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. The signed detour route is suitable for all traffic during incidents including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles.

The detour signs are fluorescent pink, which is different than orange signs that denote planned construction detours that many drivers are used to seeing for road projects. According to the federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), fluorescent pink signs are used for incident detours.

Drivers are reminded that VDOT provides notices of traffic incidents through the www.511Virginia.org website and mobile app. In addition, electronic messages boards will be activated along Interstate 77 corridor and at some locations along Route 58 in the event of an incident that requires a detour.

 The $300 million project on Lovers Leap Mountain will improve safety by expanding the road from two lanes to four lanes, starting 0.3 mile east of Route 610 (Cloudbreak Road) and extending to 0.7 mile north of Stuart. Construction is estimated to be completed in late spring 2026.