Forest Service Road Closed For Repairs

HOT SPRINGS — The USDA Forest Service is making repairs to a 6.7-mile section of Top Drive Road (Forest Service Road #447) in Alleghany County, beginning immediately. 
Sequential segments of Top Drive Road will be closed to all public entry as the repairs proceed from State Route 770 to the intersection with I-64 (Exit 43). 
No more than one mile of road will be closed at any one time. 
The temporary road closure and repairs are expected to last 45 days.
During the temporary closures, private property owners can work with the district ranger to access their property.
The road will reopen when repairs are complete, likely by January 2020. 
Special funding through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Program is being used to repair the damage from prior storm events. 
Top Drive Road is a part of the Highlands Scenic Byway, a 19.6-mile loop in Alleghany and Rockbridge counties that includes segments of State Route 850, State Route 770 and Top Drive Road. During the road closure, the three overlooks along Top Drive Road will also be closed.
For more information, contact the James River and Warm Springs Ranger Districts at (540) 839-2521.