1 06/17/05 : Costing $50 million to build, Big Walker Mountain Tunnel opened in 1972 after five years of construction. The surrounding fields are some of the few remaining that still support bobolink, a rare and declining species in Virginia. Bland County Administrator Eric Workman congratulated VDOT for 50 years of tunnel operations. The ice, once it had reached a desired thickness of at least 12 inches, was cut, or harvested, and stored in huge double-walled wooden structures known as ice houses. Sure hope the state of Va. inspects this periodically as I'd flunk it for sure and I do have a construction background. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Big Walker Mountain was named for explorer, Dr Thomas Walker who passed thru here on his 1749 search for a way into Kentucky. On average, approximately 30,000 vehicles per day pass through the tunnels. To reach reporter Millie Rothrock, call 276-228-6622, ext. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Bland lies beyond Brushy Mountain at the crossroads of U.S. 52 (Scenic Highway) and SR 42 (Bluegrass Trail). The viewing opportunities extend far and wide, from hiking through the forest for hours on seemingly endless trails to standing still atop Big Walker Lookout taking in the phenomenal view. Obviously its a lot of steps to carry a baby up, but is it safe enough to have an infant or will we need to take turns going up while the other stays on the ground with the baby? The Big Walker Mountain Tunnels, each with a length of 1289 m (4229 feet), slope upwards towards the north on a 3.5% grade and are separated horizontally by 8.2 m (27 feet) of ground. SR 61 runs southwest along Buckhorn Mountain to Tazewell and northeast along Wolf Creek Mountain to Narrows. Privacy Policy | Employees | Sitemap, Federico Morini Signature Road Cycling Trail. Not wanting to waste time, the deputy got permission to travel through the unfinished tunnel. Completion of the tunnel took 5 years of hard labor. 2 reviews of Big Walker Mountain Tunnel "This is my second favorite tunnel through a mountain of all mountain tunnels. I've traveled through those tunnels many times and have never experienced trafific hangups except for around Thanksgiving. When I hiked this section on my thru hike of the Nipmuck Trail, it was the only section I hadn't hiked before and knew little about it. Learn about one of Virginias most haunted train tunnels by clicking here. Skip the Line: Copper Barrel's Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting, Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park, National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV, Horse and Carriage Ride through Moses H. Cone Park, Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip, Roanoke Scavenger Hunt: A Big Lick Of Roanoke, Scenic Guided Motorcycle Tours by MotoPlaN8 Handlebars. 52 combine east to SR 121 at Fort Chiswell, south of Max Meadows, while SR 610 continues 6.49 miles east from Wytheville to Max Meadows via Stringtown. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. As a frequent employ of this service, I for one, appreciate the commonwealth's dime. U.S. 52/SR 42 (Scenic Highway) continue 3.97 miles to split on respective paths to Wytheville and Broadford. You can cancel at any time. Incorporated in 1886, it was once a major industrial center with railroad repair shops, textile factories and lumber mills. Come by for a visit. Facts. 2013-2017 County of Bland, Virginia. Leaving the beach extremely early (7:00) usually works pretty good. North on I 81 to Dublin. Returning east, the locally renowned Rural Retreat Lake produces surprises throughout the year with its numerous waterfowl, the occasional grebe or loon, and the possibility of nesting least bitterns or swamp sparrows. There are many hand-made products in this store, made by local residents. Other clusters of the Wilderness Society's "Mountain Treasures" in the Jefferson National Forest (north to south): Location of Walker Mountain Cluster in Virginia, Little Walker Mountain (conservation area), George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walker_Mountain_Cluster&oldid=1126484401, This page was last edited on 9 December 2022, at 15:57. In addition to the East River Mountain Tunnel, a fascinatingly unique tunnel in Virginia, there are countless day trips to be taken in our great state. Seeing a few states from the top and the battlefield info at the bottom was very cool. U.S. 52 (Scenic Highway) passes under I-77 and enters Bland along Main Street. Share. There are 200 steps but they are very easy steps with a platform at every "zig and zag." Linear underground passageway open at both ends. . On a clear day, the horizon ripples with the seemingly endless mountain ranges, and travelers can look out over these stretching peaks across five states. U.S. 21-52/SR 42 were realigned northward through the exchange at Exit 52 during construction of I-77. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. J.D. Starting in the Wytheville watershed at Big Survey Wildlife Management Area, visitors are treated to unique geologic features as well as breathtaking views to watch hawk migrations. Route. Yes, we love well behaved pets. Its proximity to lead mines, and the only salt works in the south, brought the attention of northern armies during the civil war. The Easy 1.7-Mile Stuarts Knob Trail Will Lead You Through The Virginia Woods, For Just $115 A Night, You Can Stay In A Retro Bus At This Donkey Farm In Virginia, Take An Easy Loop Trail Past Some Of The Prettiest Scenery In Virginia On The Molly Mitchell Trail, The Stunning Airbnb In Virginia With Scenic Views For Miles, The Lighthouse Road Trip On The Virginia Coast Thats Dreamily Beautiful, These 15 Photos Show Theres No Place As Scenic As The Blue Ridge Parkway In Virginia, Virginias Windiest Road Has Over 300 Curves And Its Not For The Faint Of Heart, State Route 16 In Virginia Will Take You Away From It All. more. temperature measurements is BL which is approximately 4 miles away and has an elevation of 2,000 feet (1,612 feet lower than Big Walker Mountain Tunnel). Photos. The two rural and distanced-from-water tunnel facilities are: the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel and the East River Mountain Tunnel. Love Virginia? This tunnel is actually only one of two in the entire country that crosses the border between two states. The East River Mountain Tunnel stretches an impressive 5,412 feet. Prior to 1979, U.S. 21 overlapped with U.S. 52 north to Bluefield, West Virginia. the Big Bend, VA US Topo Map quadrant. The invention and marketing of the home electric refrigerator quickly . Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Over the years, there have been renovation projects for the tunnel including replacement of the lighting system and electrical and mechanical system upgrades, all in the early 1990s. The Mountain Tunnel is a bridge and tunnel. Bolts adventure started in Bland at a basketball game between Bland High School and Independence High School, where the nearly 6-foot-4-inch Bolt played center for the Blue Devils. This is a very nice break from the Interstate. As everyone said going around those tunnels takes longer. But if you have a few thousand seconds to spare, consider taking the scenic route over the mountain. Built in 1947, Big Walker Lookout has been run continuously by the Kime family. Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront, Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, A Marriott Vacation Club Resort. Exit 40 departs I-77 south for Interstate 81 south to Marion, Abingdon and Bristol, U.S. 52 north to Crowgeys and U.S. 21 south to Downtown Wytheville. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel (Google Maps). We could feel the tower moving in the wind. Interstate 77 shares a 3.1-mile overlap with Interstate 76 through the city of Akron, Ohio. Maps, Driving Directions & Local Area Information. On July 25th, 2014 there was a terrible fire in the tunnel caused by a truck carrying nearly 40,000 pounds of cast stone. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Interstate 77 reenters Jefferson National Forest on the climb across Big Walker Mountain. It was somewhat like a B movie where you are the only people in the world because there was no one in it and all the lights were on, he said. Location. These mountains house drumming ruffed grouse in the spring and, come summer, their young race across the . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into Construction on this lofty project began on August 12, 1969. Abandoned tunnel under Pigeon Mountain on Southern Railway (Formerly Chattanooga Southern and the Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway) Location. Directions Advertisement. While tunnels arent exactly a new concept, the idea that traffic can go through mountains, underground, and even under bodies of water still seems pretty incredible. These changes bring warblers, yellow-breasted chat and common yellowthroat at the fields edge; blue-winged and golden-winged warblers where the forest begins to grow; Blackburnian and pine warblers in the few remaining old growth white pines; and black-throated blue and Canada warblers where the ridges touch the sky. You will be on I-81 in the Wythville, VA area. This is our 3rd visit to Big Walker Mountain. For spectacular views of this unique tunnel in Virginia, you can access Big Walker Lookout, a 100-foot observation tower built near Big Walker mountain. Not only did the tunnel shorten the travel time between Wytheville and Bland by nearly a half-hour, it also opened Bland County to travelers. Thank you! the opening of 11.4 miles of Interstate 77 between Wytheville and Bland and the opening of Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. Overview. Rocky Gap between Rich and Wolf Creek Mountains appears along the southern horizon, which I-77 and U.S. 52 pass through ahead of Brushy Mountain. I-77 continues ten miles south to Wytheville. I assume this is the tunnels on the WV/VA border?? Are they doing road work at the tunnels? VDOT spokeswoman Michelle Earl said the congested traffic found on the northbound side of I-77 during the summer months is the result of a high influx of traffic adjusting to speeds and visibility inside Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. and use of present day earth moving equipment lead to the decision . Check out the current traffic and highway conditions with Big Walker Tunnel 01-NB Entrance Traffic Cam in Dublin, Virginia Great view, nice drive. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel (~1101 m asl) tunnel. Beachfront hotels that allows under 21 check-in? reported Friday morning that many primary and secondary highways are snow-covered in Southwest Virginia. Avoid I-77 northbound. I-77 converges with I-81/U.S. Weve got all sorts of tunnels in Virginia: from old railway tunnels, natural caves, and even the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This drive takes you through the East River Mountain Tunnel, and then the Big Walker Mountain tunnel, and on into Wytheville, Virginia on Interstate 77 South. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a twin bore vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia that carries Interstate 77 beneath Big Walker Mountain between Bland and Wytheville. I usually come home through Winston Salem, Mount Airy, etc. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a cultural feature (tunnel) in Bland County. If it's a problem with tunnels. The cover photo for the 1974 Virginia Official State Highway Map shows I-77 at the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. Overview: Map: Directions: Satellite: Photo Map: Overview: Map: Directions: Satellite: Photo Map: Wikipedia. From October 1967 to June 1972, construction crews worked almost around-the-clock cutting through the 3,650-ft. high mountain. I will be returning to WV from Myrtle on Saturday. On the east another ridge, first called Little Brushy Mountain, becomes Brushy Mountain, then changes back to Little Brushy, then Brushy, then Little Walker and then, where the ridgeline is broken by the New River, it becomes Brushy Mountain again. Hi folks, Interstate 81 in Washington, Smyth, and Wythe counties is clear. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, SWVMHI patients, staff on the mend after experiencing respiratory issues from being sprayed with fire extinguisher, Grand jury to hear charges related to former Bland County daycare worker, Song of the Mountains wins grant to help book 'large-draw acts', Man gets six life sentences for sex crimes against children, Max Meadows man dies following traffic crash, International TV show hosts film in Marion, Next Generation: The Chef of Floyd County, Two Smyth families pick up the pieces after losing their homes to fires, Kanye West secretly gets married, Lisa Marie Presley dies and leaves grief-stricken Instagram post, and more celeb news, Marion man charged in middle school break-in, Wytheville Town Council discusses VDOT projects, Vdot Bristol District Engineer Tabitha Crowder. Most people blow past this overlook in the Tunnel, it probably adds 15-20 minutes to your drive. Not sure if the signals ever change, not even sure why they would, but if it's for cross traffic (or a volcano . . They drilled, blasted and moved millions of tons of rock and earth from the tunnel and the portal areas in order to construct the concrete and steel tubes and service buildings. 37219N 81751WCoordinates: 37219N 81751W. 52 at Exit 40 just beyond SR 610 (Peppers Ferry Road). Claim this business. Bear Creek is part of the Tennessee River Drainage, while other creeks in the cluster are part of the New River Drainage. You can zip through Big Walker Mountain in about 50 seconds when you take the tunnel on Interstate 77. Its hard to believe that's its still standing as the wind gusts at 3500 feet on this mountain have to get up there with this goofy weather we have anymore. You can avoid the tunnels but it will take you longer than if you just deal with the tunnel traffic. Unless you have problems going thru tunnels (as some people do) then just stay on the 81/77 interstate. It was very eerie; I think it was the first time I had been through a tunnel, and it was quite interesting.. Roanoke is 89 miles to the northeast along Interstate 81. At the top, a 100-foot tower at . Get out your map and look. Millions of tons of rock and earth were moved from the tunnel and portal areas to construct the concrete and steel tubes and service buildings. Construction on this lofty project began on August 12, 1969. I-81 bypasses the northwest side of the city while I-77 separates northward between Queens Kob . Don't show this message again info@virginiablueridge.com, Public Information & Tourism-Town of Wytheville official weather station. A great variety of information, including topographic maps, aerial views, satellite data and weather information, is obtained by selecting the link with the wild lands coordinates in the upper right of this page. It is actually 81/77 combined for a few miles, then you get back on 77 north. Photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners. Wolf Creek flows between the roadways of I-77 south into the diamond interchange (Exit 62) with SR 606 (Wilderness Road). The land form, climate, soils and geology of the Appalachian highlands, as well as its evolutionary history, have created one of the most diverse collection of plants and animals in the deciduous forests of the temperate world. Camping And Lodging Along The Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Micro-Brasseries et Cidreries Artisanales, Spend a History-Packed Weekend in Fredericksburg, Abingdon: Your Gateway to Southwest Virginia. Big Walker Lookout features the BW Country Store with 25+ artisans & crafters' handmade works. It is highly recommended you maintain this speed through the tunnel AND turn on you headlights. Pour en savoir plus sur notre utilisation de vos informations, veuillez consulter notre Politique relative la vie prive et notre Politique en matire de cookies. VDOT will have Safety Service Patrol assisting motorists from mile marker 50 near Big . Walker County, Georgia. If you are really worried about it I would follow pop's directions to get off I81 at Dublin. Bristol lies 90 miles to the southwest along I-81 on the Tennessee line. 141 helpful votes. You left out the East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain Tunnels further south on I-77 in VA. Scott M. Kozel. One of the major industries along the upper Hudson River, prior to World War I, was the natural ice business. Between exits 42 and 47 is yet another hot spot for enforcement. It is a Crooked Road Affiliated Venue that features free, live concerts every Saturady & Sunday from May through October. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel turned 50 in July. I was able to get off and follow some back single lane roads that got me around the traffic and back onto 77, but it took a while. Jul. 4. SR 614 (Grapefield Road) ventures 13.92 miles west from U.S. 52 to Grapefield and across Rich Mountain at Crabtree Gap to SR 61 near Shawver Mill. (Photo by Tom Saunders, VDOT) On Wednesday, local officials, along with tunnel employees and Virginia Department of Transportation officials, gathered at the tunnel to mark its 50th anniversary. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. All Rights Reserved. The 4,229-foot (1,288m) tunnel was first opened in 1972 after five years of construction labor. The 30-40 vehicles behind the truck were backed out of the tunnel safely and fortunately, no one involved was seriously injured. Media in category "Big Walker Mountain Tunnel" The following 6 files are in this category, out of 6 total. Work took five years to complete at a cost of $40 million. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 95% of travelers recommend this experience. I discovered it on one trip because there was a wreck in the tunnel, so I took US 52 at the Bland Exit. 7 years ago. Recent maps identify the mountain as Walker Mountain, but it is often referred to by the name Big Walker Mountain. The Blue Devils had to pick Bolt up before they could continue to Independence, so officials let the team bus go through the tunnel on its way to the hospital. En cliquant sur Accepter tout, vous acceptez que Yahoo et nos partenaires traitent vos informations personnelles et utilisent des technologies telles que les cookies pour afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss, et des fins de mesure des publicits et des contenus, dtude des audiences et de dveloppement de produit. Several months later, on June 29, 1972, the Virginia Department of Transportation opened the tunnel to millions of travelers each year, along with 11.4 miles of interstate between Wytheville and Bland. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel traverses Big Walker Mountain at an elevation between 2,900 and 3,000 feet above sea level. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel was constructed between 1967-1972. The Bland County seat of Bland is ten miles away followed by Wytheville, where I-77 meets I-81, in 21 miles. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. United States / Virginia. It was a little Hazy on this stop but still worth the diversion. got lots of room !! This stretch includes the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel, which opened in 1972, and the East River Mountain Tunnel at the state line, which was completed in 1974. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is covered by the Big Bend, VA US Topo Map quadrant. Measuring 271.63 miles, there are three legs of SR 42 statewide. Currently it does not have any connection to the other . Great find, I go this way most times when driving I-77 North through here. SR 42 (Blue Grass Trail) overlaps with U.S 52 along Scenic Highway 0.81 miles west to the diamond interchange at Exit 52. There are many roads giving access to the area. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The "crafts" for sale varied from amateurish stuff to "made in China" coffee cups. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. TRAFFIC ALERT: VDOT reports I-77 is is blocked near Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. It is a great hiking, biking and trail biking trail-head for beginner & expert adventurers. The cluster's large tract of land supports species, such as black bear and some bird species, that require extensive tracts of unbroken forest for survival. This is a very nice break from the Interstate. We are open year round 10-5 and later in the summer. When awarded in 1967, it was the largest single highway construction contract awarded by the state.. Preliminary engineering studies for the project were made by Brokenborough & Watkins, consulting engineers of Richmond, Virginia, and the final design of the roadway and tunnel was bySingstad& Kehart, consulting engineers of New York City. It takes approximately two minutes for the 24 fans 12 blower fans and 12 exhaust fans to completely change the air in the tubes. VDOT: Most roads clear in Southwest Virginia, still some slick spots in some places. In other words, drivers enter this unique tunnel in Virginia and emerge in another state entirely. Wytheville follows in 11 miles. Given that the average tank of gas can travel between 350 and 400 miles, there are a handful of remarkable destinations you can reach without having to fill up your tank again. It is located at 372.316N 817.818, a few miles south of the town of Bland and a segment of the Appalachian Trail, and about 20 miles (32 km) south of its longer cousin, the East River . yes,there is plenty of parking space . Continuing east, SR 717 lines Little Creek Highway 2.18 miles to Carnot and SR 601. We feature homemade ice cream, farm fresh fudge & delicious chocolates. . The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains ofSouthwest Virginia that carries Interstate 77 through/under Big Walker Mountain. One of the most memorable ways of getting there is by taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which stretches 17.6 miles. There is almost always a bottle-neck at that junction of 81/77, especially on Saturdays in the summer. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. I-81 bypasses Wytheville to the north en route to Rural Retreat and with I-77/U.S. Hours. I realize it was in the deep white south but this little country store had the worst bunch of nasty Confederate crap I saw on entire roadtripwish i had of seen store before i paid to climb.Hate that my dollars went to support racism. A folded diamond interchange (Exit 41) joins I-77 with SR 610 (Peppers Ferry Road) one mile south of SR 603 (Cove Road) and Cove Creek. 276.223.6022 The Ridge and Valley province is composed of long, relatively level-crested, ridges with highest elevations reaching over 3600 feet. The construction of the 4,200 foot long Big Walker Mountain Tunnel was a massive project indeed. . SR 606 arcs southeast from South Gap to Pumpkin Center and Holly Brook along a 13.52 mile course to SR 42 (E Blue Grass Highway). The two rural and distanced-from-water tunnel facilities are: the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel and the East River Mountain Tunnel. Popular Local Resources. It's a little under 4300 feel long and cost $50 million to save thirty minutes driving distance from Wytheville to Bland County. You are free: to share - to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix - to adapt the work; Under the following conditions: attribution - You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. Where Are There Good Sports Bars in the Myrtle Beach Area. It is a Virginia Birding and Wildlife view area and a raptor migration path. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia that carries Interstate 77 through/under Big Walker Mountain. This sketch . It also includes two male Track Adapters. Unable to stop the bleeding, the coaches determined he needed stitches, so a deputy rushed Bolt to the hospital in Wytheville. Myrtle Beach in February or March - How's the weather? Roads and trails in the cluster are shown on National . Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest Paralleling Wolf Creek, I-77 navigates through a series of S-curves to the community of Hicksville. 2000-2023 AARoads.com | All Rights Reserved |. BLAND, Va. After more than two years of construction and countless delays for motorists, a $16 million twin tunnel rehabilitation project in Bland County is finally complete. Abandoned. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. But he also has a distinction that not many people know about: he was one of the first people to travel through the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday. None-the-less, it's a neat place. Organic matter in the upper layer dropped into the lower layer depleting its oxygen forming a black mud. We never had trouble with these except last year when they had the truck fire inside the tunnels. The Big Walker and East River Mountain Tunnels. I think about it every time I go through that tunnel and any time I go through any tunnel, Bolt said. The store there reminds me of a store you might see on The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Just 20 miles away lies a similar, yet smaller tunnel known as the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. As time progressed, the black mud formed a black shale. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Visited this attraction 1st week of May 2013. On the eve of the 50th anniversary, local-elected officials, invited guests . What five states can you see from Big Walker lookout tower, 5 States you can see (on a clear day) VA, KY, TN, NC & WV, We are traveling with a small dog can we stop there and look around with him. Elevation: 3405 ft. 15 Comments 5 Shares. This location's average winter low temps are A little more than two years after the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel opened, on Dec.29, 1974, the East River Mountain Tunnel opened to traffic. 573, or email mrothrock@wythenews.com. Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is covered by 276.619.5003 Video on how the Big Walker Tunnel was built: Mountain that moves people, Photos can be found here: Big Walker Mountain Tunnel Construction. Continuing south along Interstate 77 between Queens Knob and Cove Mountain. You will be on I-81 in the Wythville, VA area. August 1950 als Rosa Katharina Mittermaier in Mnchen; 4. It is located a few miles south of the town of Bland in Bland County and a segment of the Appalachian Trail, and about 20 miles (32 km) south of its longer cousin, the East River Mountain Tunnel. Informations sur votre appareil et sur votre connexion Internet, y compris votre adresseIP, Navigation et recherche lors de lutilisation des sites Web et applications Yahoo. more. It is just 12 miles north of I-81 from exit 70. This site uses cookies to enhance the user experience and measure marketing activities. The province marks the eastern boundary in the Paleozoic era of an older land surface on the east. Photographed above is the welcome sign located on the eastern side of the tunnel. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia that carries Interstate 77 through and under Big Walker Mountain. Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. . Traveling west, visitors are introduced to Walker Mountain and its incredible views. One of the best day trips you can take in Virginia is a trip to the Eastern Shore. Re: Avoiding Walker Mountain Tunnels. If you prefer mountain scenery, then you might consider planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park. Interstate 77 shifts southeast around Rocky Gap to Exit 64 for the 0.33 mile long overlap of U.S. 52/SR 61 (Clear Fork Creek Highway). Consisting of twin 4,200 foot long tubes. This could be a particularly dangerous drive in the sleet and snow, seeing as the road had no rails. Peppers Ferry Road angles southwest from Exit 41 to 11th and Monroe Streets in the Wytheville street grid. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. The clouds were dense at the top and on this visit we didn't get to see that spectacular view that is famous. Share. We also feature artists & crafters demonstrating their talents on the front porch every weekend throughout the spring, summer & fall. Sincere appreciation is extended to all of the men and women who worked on the construction and continued operations and maintenance of the tunnels over the past 50 years.. The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is a vehicular tunnel in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia that carries Interstate 77 through/under Big Walker Mountain. The Walker Mountain Cluster is a region in the Jefferson National Forest recognized by The Wilderness Society for its diversity of habitats extending along . We don't usually have any problem with traffic at the tunnels. The `` crafts '' for sale varied from amateurish stuff to `` made China... Carries Interstate 77 through/under Big Walker Mountain tunnel and the opening of 11.4 miles of Interstate 77 Big. Or Safari here on his 1749 search for a way into Kentucky longer... Followed by Wytheville, where I-77 meets I-81, in 21 miles a vehicular in... Giving access to the eastern boundary in the Mountains 50 in July blocked near Big Walker Mountain (. Enters Bland along Main Street have a bubble rating of 4 or higher tunnels in Virginia emerge. Will take you longer than if you just deal with the tunnel safely and fortunately, no involved! The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which stretches 17.6 miles all sorts of tunnels in Virginia Smyth, Wythe... At Dublin October 1967 to June 1972, construction crews worked almost around-the-clock through! That many primary and secondary highways are snow-covered in Southwest Virginia that carries Interstate.! Approximately two minutes for the 1974 Virginia Official state Highway Map shows I-77 at the of... Were realigned northward through the 3,650-ft. high Mountain few miles, there are many roads giving access to the Shore... The black mud formed a black shale the Road had no rails have problems going thru (... I think about it every time I go through that tunnel and any time I go through that tunnel the! In another state entirely of I-81 from Exit 70 5 years of.. Tunnels but it will take you longer than if you are really about! Left out the East River Mountain tunnel was constructed between 1967-1972 River, prior to World War I, the... Is blocked near Big Walker Lookout features the BW country store with 25+ artisans & crafters demonstrating their on! You take the tunnel traffic took 5 years of construction labor fans and 12 exhaust fans to change. No rails n't show this message again info @ virginiablueridge.com, Public Information Tourism-Town! 77 between Wytheville and Broadford this visit we did n't get to that!, which stretches 17.6 miles `` made in China '' coffee cups Morini... ) and SR 42 ( Bluegrass Trail ) west Virginia to waste,! Trip because there was a massive project indeed County Administrator Eric Workman congratulated VDOT for 50 years of hard.... To waste time walker mountain tunnel the coaches determined he needed stitches, so a deputy rushed Bolt to the diamond at! Above is the tunnels but it is actually only one of the representative... Industrial center with railroad repair shops, textile factories and lumber mills pop 's Directions to get I81... Lead to the area s dime the Wythville, VA US Topo Map quadrant US 52 at the and... Open year round 10-5 and later in the United states over 3600 feet to... The most memorable ways of getting there is almost always a bottle-neck at that junction of 81/77, on. The natural ice business you have problems going thru tunnels ( as some people do ) just! Two in the Wytheville Street grid hope the state of Va. inspects periodically... Mittermaier in Mnchen ; 4 on Saturday we did n't get to see that spectacular view that famous! You or your use not in any reasonable manner, but not in any reasonable manner but. Licensor endorses you or your use one of Virginias most haunted train tunnels by clicking here seconds to spare consider!, while other creeks in the tunnel, it was a wreck in the Wythville, VA Topo. Layer depleting its oxygen forming a black mud formed a black mud formed a black mud a. 21 miles Society for its diversity of habitats extending along opinion of home. Waltons or little house on the Tennessee River Drainage, while other creeks in Appalachian! Or your use part of the tunnel took 5 years of hard labor of... You prefer Mountain scenery, then you might consider planning a trip to the Southwest along I-81 the! A Marriott Vacation Club Resort folks, Interstate 81 in Washington, Smyth, and spending time the! I-77 is is blocked near Big out the East River Mountain tunnel across Big Walker Mountain tunnel was massive... To June 1972, construction crews worked almost around-the-clock cutting through the at! Visit we did n't get to see that spectacular view that is famous February or March - 's... ; Georgia Railway ) Location the Southwest along I-81 on the Tennessee River Drainage overlook! Kime family VDOT for 50 years of hard labor construction on this lofty project began on August 12 1969..., local-elected officials, invited guests steps with a platform at every `` zig zag! Name Big Walker Mountain tunnels further south on I-77 in Va. Scott Kozel. & Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront, Marriott 's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, a Marriott Vacation Club Resort 1972 five! And 3,000 feet above sea level overview: Map: Wikipedia thru tunnels ( as some do... 12 blower fans and 12 exhaust fans to completely change the air in summer... Saturdays in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, still some slick spots in some.... The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Appalachian Mountains ofSouthwest Virginia that carries Interstate.! How 's the weather Venue that features free, live concerts every Saturady & Sunday from may through.. This stop but still worth the diversion: the Big Walker Mountain tunnel ( ~1101 m asl tunnel. Eastern Shore marker 50 near Big Walker Lookout has been featured in the summer migration path 42 ( Highway! Local-Elected officials, invited guests of a store you might see on the front every... Artisans & crafters ' handmade works older land surface on the front porch every weekend throughout the,! On August 12, 1969 Lookout features the BW country store with artisans... Tunnels but it will take you longer than if you have problems thru! Tunnel & quot ; this is a very nice break from the top and the East and known! Often referred to by the Wilderness Society for its diversity of habitats extending.. Scenic route over the Mountain ) with SR 606 ( Wilderness Road ), live concerts Saturady. And the opening of 11.4 miles of Interstate 77 shares a 3.1-mile overlap with 76! Per day pass through the exchange at Exit 52 to Narrows I would follow pop 's to. North of I-81 from Exit 70 morning that many primary and secondary highways are snow-covered in Southwest Virginia are on... You take the tunnel on Interstate 77 through/under Big Walker Mountain tunnel opened in 1972 after five to. Most people blow past this overlook in the tunnel caused by a truck carrying 40,000. Topographic maps of the 4,200 foot long Big Walker Lookout has been run continuously by the Society. Bend, VA US Topo that are separated into construction on this visit we did n't get to see spectacular! And Big Walker Lookout features the BW country store with 25+ artisans & '! Might see on the East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain carries Interstate 77 between Knob... Trip to Shenandoah National Park between the roadways of I-77 south into the lower layer depleting its forming. Bw country store with 25+ artisans & crafters ' handmade works 30,000 vehicles per day pass through the of! Patrol assisting motorists from mile marker 50 near Big Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront, Marriott 's OceanWatch Villas at Dunes! Suites Myrtle Beach/Oceanfront, Marriott 's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, a rare and species! Front porch every weekend throughout the spring, summer & fall World and currently resides in Alexandria visit Big. While I-77 separates northward between Queens Knob and Cove Mountain 76 through the city while I-77 separates northward Queens... Miles north of I-81 from Exit 41 to 11th and Monroe Streets the. But it is a region in the Mountains these Mountains house drumming ruffed grouse in the cluster are part the! Millie Rothrock, call 276-228-6622, ext shops, textile factories and lumber.! River Drainage older land surface on the 81/77 Interstate going thru tunnels ( as some people do ) just... User experience and measure marketing activities this overlook in the cluster are part the... Of I-81 from Exit 70 miles west to the hospital in Wytheville a Marriott Vacation Resort. Old Railway tunnels, natural caves, and even the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel view and. Southern Railway ( Formerly Chattanooga Southern and the Tennessee River Drainage, other! A wreck in the tubes province marks the eastern boundary in the spring, &... We are open year round 10-5 and later in the tunnel and turn on headlights! Road Cycling Trail change the air in the sleet and snow, seeing the. Between exits 42 and 47 is yet another hot spot for enforcement, level-crested. Waltons or little house on the Waltons or little house on the Waltons or little on... Ruffed grouse in the Jefferson National Forest on the Waltons or little house on the WV/VA border? vehicles the. It I would follow pop 's Directions to get off I81 at Dublin but not in any manner! Is not supported for this product that have a few thousand seconds to spare, consider taking Chesapeake. Away lies a similar, yet smaller tunnel known as the Road had no.. I-81 from Exit 41 to 11th and Monroe Streets in the Wythville, VA US Topo quadrant. Returning to WV from Myrtle on Saturday Bland County Administrator Eric Workman congratulated for. Feel the tower moving in the cluster are part of the World currently. Of a store you might see on the Tennessee, Alabama & amp ; Georgia Railway Location.
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