June 2007 Road Trip
Kentucky-Virginia-West Virginia
Day 1

These photos are from the first day of a three-day road trip through Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, from Beattyville, Ky. to Staunton, Va. via Pikeville, Ky.; Grundy, Richlands and Tazewell, Va.; Bluefield, WV; Rich Creek, Narrows and Pearisburg, Va.; Waiteville, WV; Paint Bank, Covington, Clifton Forge, Millboro Springs, Goshen, Buffalo Gap, Churchville, Bridgewater, Dayton, Harrisonburg, Broadway, Timberville and New Market, Va. Most of these photos are along the US 460 (Appalachian Corridor Q) and VA 42 corridors. To view the full-sized photos, click on one of the thumbnails on this page. You will then be presented with navigation controls to view the images on individual Web pages as a slide show.

PICT0001
This photo was accidentally snapped, but it's a good photo showing the Mountain Parkway eastbound in Wolfe County, Just over the rise in the background is Exit 42 and beyond that, Exit 43 where the highway goes from four lanes to two.
PICT0002
New overhead signage showing the new Mountain Parkway sign.
PICT0003
The next of three overheads on which the Mountain Parkway sign has been changed.
PICT0004
Finally, the third overhead at the spot where the Mountain Parkway goes from four lanes to two.
PICT0005
This bridge construction project is at the Mountain Parkway-KY 30 interchange in Magoffin County. The bridge is being replaced to reduce the superelevation in the curve and make the highway safer.
PICT0006
These signs are in Floyd County. To the right, KY 1428 is the old routing of KY 80 west. To the left, it's the old routing of US 23 north and US 460 west.
PICT0007
These signs for US 23, US 460 and KY 80 are just beyond the KY 1428 intersection.
PICT0008
Guide sign for the US 119 intersection just north of Pikeville.
PICT0009
Advance sign for US 119 intersection.
PICT0010
At the intersection of US 119 with US 23/460 and KY 80.
PICT0011
The first sign showing all four routes that run through the Pikeville area.
PICT0012
Exit number tabs have been added to the two exits along the Pikeville Cut-Thru on US 23. The mileage is figured from the Pike-Letcher county line on US 23.
PICT0013
Another of the exit number tabs that have been added.
PICT0014
This route marker assembly is not an assembly at all; rather, it's four separate sign posts.
PICT0015
This exit sign also has had an exit number tab added.
PICT0016
For several years there were a number of oversized route marker signs for the major highways in the Pikeville area. All of those signs have been removed except for this assembly near the southern end of the Pikeville Cut-Thru.
PICT0017
This assembly marks the end of what is believed to be the most numbered highways to share one stretch of pavement -- a "quintuplex" of highways are on a short stretch of pavement south of the Pikeville Cut-Thru.
PICT0018
This is a view of the four-lane south of Pikeville, showing a rockfall retaining wall protecting the northbound lanes of US 23/119 and the westbound lanes of US 460/KY 80.
PICT0019
Advance sign for the split of US 460 and KY 80 from US 23/119.
PICT0020
These two signs replaced oversized signs for advance warning of the split.
PICT0021
These signs also replaced oversized markers to show the split of US 460 and KY 80 from US 23 and 119. This is near Shelbiana, south of Pikeville.
PICT0022
US 460 and KY 80 markers south of the split from US 23/119.
PICT0023
This assembly uses only one directional banner for the two routes.
PICT0024
This photo shows a recently rebuilt section of US 460/KY 80. Flooding in the spring resulted in this section of roadway being washed out. The road was rebuilt and opened to traffic pretty quickly.
PICT0025
This bridge carries US 460/KY 80 over an old section of the roadway and the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River, downstream from Fishtrap Lake. It bypassed an older bridge, a T intersection and an at-grade rail crossing.
PICT0026
The split of KY 80 and US 460 at Belcher, north of Elkhorn City.
PICT0027
Standalone US 460 marker. This is the first such marker in Pike County, the road having been co-signed with other routes all the way from the Floyd County line to this point.
PICT0029
At the KY 1499 intersection at Mouthcard, US 460 turns to the south only about three miles from the Virginia state line.
PICT0030
Entering Virginia from Kentucky on US 460 eastbound. The actual state line is behind the camera, in a curve.
PICT0031
The first US 460 sign and mileage board in Virginia. Claypool Hill is where US 460 intersects US 19.
PICT0032
Virginia Secondary 645 sign with small destination markers.
PICT0033
A bridge deck replacement project was underway on US 460 between the state line and Grundy.
PICT0034
Advance signage for the VA 83 intersection in Grundy.
PICT0035
This shot shows the work that is ongoing to relocate a flood-prone section of Grundy. The work is being done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the construction of new US 460, Corridor Q in the Appalachian Regional Commission highway system.
PICT0036
A shot of the work taking place to demolish old buildings in the flood plain.
PICT0037
Oops! The first of many signage errors encountered on this trip. VDOT placed an erroneous "US 83" sign in place of a VA 83 marker in Grundy.
PICT0038
Another shot of the erroneous sign. This appears to be a VDOT installation instead of a temporary contractor's sign.
PICT0039
VA 83 splits from US 460 at Vansant, just south of Grundy.
PICT0040
VA 83 and DMV signage at the split from eastbound US 460.
PICT0041
Bristol is listed as a destination as US 460 departs the Grundy area, but is reached by US 19 south from Claypool Hill.
PICT0042
The route sign is missing from this mileage sign, located on US 460 in the Keen Mountain area.
PICT0043
Getting closer to Richlands, US 460 descends a mountain.
PICT0044
US 460 and VA 67 combine briefly in Richlands.
PICT0045
A business route for US 460 takes VA 67 away from the bypass route, which passes Richlands to the north.
PICT0046
I have photographed this sign several times before, so I didn't feel too badly about cutting off the US 460 sign. This is the first mention of Roanoke as a destination for US 460.
PICT0047
On the Richlands bypass.
PICT0048
Still on the Richlands Bypass.
PICT0049
Approaching the US 19 intersection at Claypool Hill.
PICT0050
At the US 19 intersection.
PICT0051
The first signage for the combined US 19 and US 460.
PICT0052
An underpass along US 19/460 just southwest of where the business routes split for Tazewell.
PICT0053
The old alignment of US 19/460 goes through downtown Tazewell (a cutout enthusiast's delight) while the bypass skirts downtown to the north and west.
PICT0054
US 19 and US 460 signage on the Tazewell bypass.
PICT0055
Exit sign for Alt. VA 16.
PICT0056
A few miles further down the road is this exit sign for VA 16.
PICT0057
This exit sign for VA 61 is a little different than the ones for VA 16 and Alt. VA 16.
PICT0058
The first US 19/460 signage beyond the Tazewell bypass.
PICT0059
Advance exit signage for US 19's departure from the Appalachian corridor.
PICT0060
The US 19 exit sign is in the distance in this shot of an I-77 sign. I-77 in this area is accessed in West Virginia.
PICT0061
The US 19 exit and the start of the newer US 460 bypass of Bluefield.
PICT0062
An exit sign for VA Secondary 720, which parallels US 460 in this area.
PICT0063
The exit for VA 720.
PICT0064
Half-mile advance sign for the VA 102 exit.
PICT0065
A typical view of US 460's bypass of Bluefield, Va.
PICT0066
Not sure why this US 460 sign is perched atop this VA 102 exit sign. The exit is actually for VA Secondary 720; it intersects VA 102 just to the north of this interchange.
PICT0067
Perhaps that missing US 460 sign needed to be mounted on this mileage sign, just past the VA 102 exit.
PICT0068
Approaching the West Virginia state line on US 460. The actual state line is at the pavement change and the small blue mile marker that can be seen at right.
PICT0069
Closeup shot of the new West Virginia welcome sign.
PICT0070
Mileage sign for Bluefield exits on US 460.
PICT0071
WV 598 is the old route of US 52 and the decommissioned US 21 across East River Mountain, into Virginia.
PICT0072
Advance signage for the WV 598 intersection.
PICT0073
At the WV 598 junction with a Corridor Q mile marker visible.
PICT0074
Advance signage for the split of the brief US 460/WV 598 multiplex. WV 598 leads to north US 52 into downtown Bluefield.
PICT0075
Destinations for WV 598 north with signage at the intersection in the background.
PICT0076
WV 598 departs US 460.
PICT0077
Closeup shot of the West Virginia ARC Corridor Q mile marker. This is similar to other mile markers that have been installed on other ARC corridors in West Virginia.
PICT0078
Mileage sign on US 460 beyond the WV 598 intersection. As a rule, West Virginia uses the state for out-of-state destinations. This sign even includes a comma after "Pearisburg."
PICT0079
And, of course, WV has named its entire system of ARC highways after Robert Byrd.
PICT0080
Two-mile exit sign for US 52.
PICT0081
Going east on US 460, the turn for US 52 north is not signed as such because US 52 traffic has been directed to use WV 598 north some miles back. Instead, the route is signed only as County 29, Cumberland Road. Heading back west on US 460, this intersection is fully signed as the departure of northbound US 52.
PICT0082
This signage confirms that US 52 has joined US 460.
PICT0083
One-mile exit sign for US 52's departure from US 460.
PICT0084
Half-mile exit sign.
PICT0085
Overheads for the upcoming exit.
PICT0086
This is the sign that could be seen in the distance from the earlier photo. US 460 makes a sweeping left-hand turn and drops down the mountain to re-connect with US 19.
PICT0087
US 52 sign on the connector route from US 460 to I-77.
PICT0088
Construction on I-77 in Virginia is noted on US 52 in West Virginia.
PICT0089
Mileage sign for the I-77 interchange and to Wytheville.
PICT0090
Junction sign for I-77.
PICT0091
Advance signage for the intersection, where US 52 joins I-77 to go through the East River Mountain Tunnel and into Virginia.
PICT0092
At the turn for the ramp to south I-77.
PICT0093
Crossing the bridge, a left turn puts you on the ramp to northbound I-77.
PICT0094
Entering I-77 northbound, this sign greets you whether you've gotten on at Exit 1 or crossed into West Virginia from Virginia.
PICT0095
Typical view of I-77 northbound descending East River Mountain. Cable barriers have been installed here.
PICT0096
Another shot of I-77, getting ready to cross the East River.
PICT0097
No surprise that West Virginia starts promoting Tamarack not long after I-77 enters the state.
PICT0098
This road used to be posted as "Ingleside Road" rather than Twelvemile Road.
PICT0099
The exit for County 27 with a railroad overpass in the distance.
PICT0100
Shot of the railroad overpass across I-77.
PICT0101
US 460 intersects I-77 after the interstate reaches the top of the mountain above the East River valley.
PICT0102
One-mile exit sign for the US 460 interchange. Southbound, this exit is also signed for Pearisburg, Va.
PICT0103
The US 460 exit marks the southern terminus of the West Virginia Turnpike but there is no sign denoting this is the last exit before entering the turnpike. A welcome center is also located at this exit.
PICT0104
Looking east on US 460, beyond Princeton, heading toward Virginia.
PICT0105
Junction sign for WV 112 on east US 460.
PICT0106
Advance turn sign for WV 112.
PICT0107
Oakvale and Kellysville are the communities served by WV 112 between here and Bluefield.
PICT0108
Looking at the WV 112 intersection and beyond on eastbound US 460.
PICT0109
Entering Virginia from West Virginia on US 460 east. The pavement change marks the state line.
PICT0110
US 460 enters Giles County when it crosses back into Virginia, and the town of Glen Lyn.
PICT0111
This older style welcome sign greets travelers as they enter Virginia. Of course they see the whole sign and not just part of it, since the rightmost edge got cut off in this photo.
PICT0112
The first US 460 sign and mileage sign after the route re-enters Virginia.
PICT0113
US 460 approaching Blacksburg is designated Virginia's Technology Corridor.
PICT0114
This photo shows the four-lane path of US 460 with the US 219 southern terminus upcoming. To the right of the road is the New River.
PICT0115
Advance signage for US 219's southern terminus at Rich Creek.
PICT0116
Signage where US 219 turns from US 460. US 219 uses a short connector route to get to the old alignment of US 460, then uses that for a short distance to get to the spot where the road turns toward West Virginia.
PICT0117
This is looking west on Old Virginia Avenue, which is the old alignment of US 460 through Rich Creek. This is not actually US 460 although it is marked as such here.
PICT0118
This is on current US 460, appraching the US 219 intersection.
PICT0119
This is also on existing four-lane US 460, looking west. There are no signs at the actual intersection of US 219 as you travel west on US 460.
PICT0120
At the end of the short connector road between US 460 and Old Virginia Avenue, this sign guides drivers to US 219 north.
PICT0121
This is looking east on Old Virginia Avenue, which is old US 460. The sign in the previous photo can be seen at left (the truck is passing by it).
PICT0122
This is on Old Virginia Avenue, looking east, where US 219 makes a 90-degree left turn to head toward West Virginia.
PICT0123
Back on US 460 east, this is the mileage and route marker sign beyond the US 219 intersection.
PICT0124
This shows the "narrows" of the New River between Rich Creek and Narrows. In this location, the westbound lanes of US 460 are separated from the eastbound lanes. The EB lanes are adjacent to the river and the WB lanes sit higher on the hillside.
PICT0125
A look at the eastbound lanes of US 460 through the narrows.
PICT0126
This bridge carries VA 61 across US 460 at Narrows. The bridge also spans the New River. VA 61 loops around and ends at a traffic light just around the curve.
PICT0127
Signage at the terminus of VA 61 at Narrows.
PICT0128
Beyond Narrows, this sign carries the first mention of Blacksburg.
PICT0129
This sign is a bit misleading. The road is a connector route to VA 100, After it turns right off of eastbound US 460, North VA 100 goes straight and South VA 100 turns to the left. However, south VA 100 can also be accessed from the Business US 460 connector, which is at the top of the hill beyond what is visible in this photo.
PICT0130
Exit sign for Business US 460 and the connector to VA 100 south at Pearisburg.
PICT0131
Exit sign for Business US 460 and VA 100.
PICT0132
Business US 460 rejoins the bypass of Pearisburg at the Ripplemead exit.
PICT0133
At the Business 460/Secondary 636 exit.
PICT0134
No US 460 sign on this mileage sign, which is unusual.
PICT0135
US 460 crosses the New River for the third and final time in the Glen Lyn/Narrows/Pearisburg region.
PICT0136
This is where I turned off US 460 onto VA Secondary 635 to begin my journey over to Covington, Va. Up until this point I had previously traveled all the roads I had been on this day.
PICT0137
At the turnoff to VA 635.
PICT0138
VA 635 is a scenic drive. The pavement is in good shape and the route goes through a residential and industrial area before entering a secluded wooded section.
PICT0139
A U.S. Forest Service picnic area can be found not too far from the West Virginia state line.
PICT0140
A look at VA 635 with the state line nearing.
PICT0141
This sign denotes a forest service route.
PICT0142
Virginia has installed these signs to denote wildlife viewing areas, all across the state.
PICT0143
Entering West Virginia. VA Secondary 635 becomes County 17 and the pavement quality deteriorates rapidly.
PICT0145
This portion of West Virginia is isolated from the rest of the state. County 17 is marked with standalone signs.
PICT0146
This shot, descending into the valley, shows the poor pavement quality.
PICT0147
This portion of County 17 has the standard West Virginia mile markers usually found on primary state and also US routes.
PICT0148
At the bottom of the hill, County 17 intersects Rays Siding Road. At this point the pavement quality and alignment becomes much better.
PICT0149
Note the stripes in the center of the road on County 17 in this area, southwest of Waiteville.
PICT0150
Rays Siding Road again intersects County 17 at Waiteville.
PICT0151
This is a typical view of County 17 near Waiteville. You can see a standalone county route marker in the distance.
PICT0152
Another standalone marker with the mountains in the distance in this picturesque farming valley.
PICT0153
This is looking back toward Waiteville on County 17 just after it enters West Virginia from Virginia.
PICT0154
Looking into Virginia, where WV County 17 becomes Virginia Secondary 600. County 17 has traveled 13 miles from state line to state line.
PICT0155
VA Secondary 600 marker shortly after entering Virginia.
PICT0156
Typical view of VA 600 approaching Paint Bank.
PICT0157
This shot shows the end of VA 600 at Paint Bank.
PICT0158
VA 311 markers at Secondary 600's end.
PICT0159
This is the signage as seen from northbound VA 311 for VA 600, Waiteville Road.
PICT0160
Signage for Secondary 661 and a wayside at the top of Peters Mountain with the VA 18 advance signage barely visible in the background.
PICT0161
Advance signage for the southern terminus of VA 18.
PICT0162
Destinations for VA 18 and VA 311.
PICT0163
At the intersection where VA 18 heads toward Covington and VA 311 starts climbing the mountain toward West Virginia.
PICT0164
This sign shows VA 311's destinations. The route does not go all the way to White Sulphur Springs, it relies on US 60/I-64 to get drivers there.
PICT0165
A typical view of VA 18 heading north out of Paint Bank.
PICT0166
The first VA 18 sign is several miles north of the VA 311 junction.
PICT0167
An older "maximum safe speed" advisory marker still adorns this curve sign on VA 18.
PICT0168
The detour sign is standard size, which makes it look larger than it should when compared to these smaller markers which are common in this part of Virginia.
PICT0169
More smaller secondary route markers with a full-sized detour sign.
PICT0170
Another typical view of VA 18 heading toward Covington.
PICT0171
Another VA 18 marker and mileage sign, this one in the Jordan Mines vicinity.
PICT0172
Oops! These error markers are located several miles south of Covington in a rural area. There are also error US 18 signs in Covington that have been photographed elsewhere on this site and on other sites.
PICT0173
In Covington, a sharp passing eye on VA 18 northbound caught these cutouts, resulting in a U-turn to head back and take this photo.
PICT0174
A closeup of the cutouts previously photographed.
PICT0175
Approaching VA 18's northern terminus in Covington, one encounters this sign with the directional banner mounted beneath the cutout.
PICT0176
This I-64 sign features the traditional interstate "tri-point" shield painted onto a Virginia state route shield cutout blank. This marker is located right at the point where VA 18 passes underneath I-64.
PICT0177
At US 60/220 in Covington and the northern terminus of VA 18.
PICT0178
Another instance of the interstate shield being painted in a Virginia state route cutout blank.
PICT0179
At the end of VA 18.
PICT0180
Approaching I-64 on US 60/220.
PICT0181
Advance signage for I-64 at the US 60/220 exit in Covington.
PICT0182
The exit ramp for I-64 west.
PICT0183
Shot from US 60, this overhead is on I-64.
PICT0184
Still on US 60, the upcoming turn to pass under I-64 and then onto the interstate.
PICT0185
Several destinations nearing the turn.
PICT0186
US 60 and 220 signs along with trailblazers for I-64 and a couple of Virginia secondary routes. Virginia uses the larger "T" in "To" much as it does the larger first letter in the directional banner. This is not a practice seen in many other states that use the larger first letter in the direction signs.
PICT0187
US 60 and 220 join the interstate between Covington and Clifton Forge.
PICT0188
The first markers for the combined routes of I-64, US 60 and US 220 feature a borderless cutout US 60 marker such as that usually installed on panel guide signs.
PICT0189
I-64 just east of Covington.
PICT0190
A guardrail has been installed in the narrow median of this portion of I-64 between Covington and Clifton Forge, but not all areas with this narrow median have a divider.
PICT0191
This shot shows the curvy nature of I-64 in this area and the narrow median can be seen in the distance as the road curves to the right.
PICT0192
Beyond the Low Moor exit, this set of markers features a borderless cutout US 220 marker similar to the US 60 marker shown earlier.
PICT0193
Business routes for US 60 and US 220 follow the old route of the two highways through Clifton Forge.
PICT0194
This sign has suffered a little damage, it appears.
PICT0195
Finally, a route marker assembly with all three standard markers.
PICT0196
US 220 departs US 60 and I-64 at Exit 27, and Business US 60 rejoins.
PICT0197
US 220 is an easy drive to the Roanoke area. It starts out as a two-lane road but soon expands to four lanes and is a closer, scenic alternative than I-64 to I-81.
PICT0198
This exit sign uses a Kentucky-style oval marker for Secondary 629 instead of the round one usually seen on Virginia exit signs.
PICT0199
After US 220 departs, only US 60 and I-64 are signed along the interstate.
PICT0200
Approaching VA 42 and the start of another portion of my trip that takes me into virgin territory.
PICT0201
No destinations on this sign, just the route numbers.
PICT0202
At the end of the ramp, VA 42 turns to the left and VA 269 to the right. VA 269 eventually takes over the old route of US 60.
PICT0203
A better shot of the VA 42 sign.
PICT0204
A state name I-64 sign and a US 60 marker.
PICT0205
The first VA 42 sign does not have a corresponding milesage sign.
PICT0206
A typical shot of VA 42 heading northbound just beyond the I-64 interchange.
PICT0207
The first VA 42 sign with a corresponding mileage sign. VA 42 runs concurrently with VA 39 between Millboro Springs and Goshen.
PICT0208
Getting closer to Millboro Springs.
PICT0209
Advance signage for the intersection with VA 39.
PICT0210
VA 39 and VA 42 signs perched atop a Clearview sign. I must admit surprise at seeing a Clearview sign in such a rural area of Virginia. This was my first encounter with the new font in Virginia.
PICT0211
VA 39 and VA 42 combine for an eight-mile dual run from Millboro Springs to Goshen. Here again are the smaller signs that are frequently used in the Staunton district.
PICT0212
Climbing a hill heading east out of Millboro Springs.
PICT0213
Getting closer to Goshen.
PICT0214
Another typical shot of VA 39/42 near the Bath/Rockbridge county line.
PICT0215
These cutouts were a nice find between Millboro and Goshen.
PICT0216
Smaller signs mark the upcoming intersection of Alternate VA 39 in Goshen. Alt. 39 appears to be a bypass route of a low-clearance railroad underpass that appears to be prone to flooding.
PICT0217
At the Alt. VA 39 intersection.
PICT0218
Just beyond the previous photo VA 39 departs VA 42.
PICT0219
At the intersection where VA 39 turns right and heads southeast to Lexington.
PICT0220
This is the signage at the end of Alternate VA 39.
PICT0221
Heading out of Goshen, this mileage sign has been shot up pretty badly.
PICT0222
The left side of this sign got cut off when I took the photo, but this was the only such similar sign I saw on my trip.
PICT0223
A little further up the road from Craigsville.
PICT0224
Buffalo Gap is where VA 42 intersects VA 254, which is a shortcut to Staunton.
PICT0225
This photo is a little out of focus, but the tiny nature of the Secondary 703 sign is made more apparent by the full-size VA 42 and 254 signs.
PICT0226
At the VA 42 and VA 254 intersection.
PICT0227
A rain shower had passed through this area just prior to my traveling through.
PICT0228
Typical view of VA 42 as it passes through rolling farmlands between Buffalo Gap and Churchville.
PICT0229
Again, an out-of-focus photo that shows the size disparity between the VA 42 and secondary route signs. Given that the VA 42 sign is 24x24, the secondary sign is probably 18x18.
PICT0230
Smaller signs as VA 42 approaches US 250 at Churchville.
PICT0231
VA 42 joins US 250 for a short distance.
PICT0232
Signage for West US 250 and North VA 42.
PICT0233
Approaching the split of US 250 and VA 42.
PICT0234
Monterey is one of the smallest and most isolated county seats in Virginia. It's where US 250 and US 220 cross.
PICT0235
This is the first mention of Elkins, WV as a destination for US 250.
PICT0236
This is looking back east on US 250 where VA 42 joins.
PICT0237
These markers are full-sized vs. the smaller ones for the other direction, as previously seen.
PICT0238
Smaller signs for the advance departure of southbound VA 42 from eastbound US 250.
PICT0239
Signage at the intersection includes a cutout VA 42 marker.
PICT0240
Heading east on US 250 from Churchville toward Staunton.
PICT0241
These US 250 cutouts were found east of Churchville.
PICT0242
Looking back west on US 250 and approaching VA 42.
PICT0243
At the US 250-VA 42 junction.
PICT0244
Finally heading out of Churchville, VA 42's northern terminus of Woodstock begins to appear on the mileage signs.
PICT0245
A typical view of the rolling farmlands along VA 42 north of Churchville.
PICT0246
Drawing closer to Bridgewater, where VA 42 expands to four lanes.
PICT0247
And closer yet to Bridgewater.
PICT0248
And closer yet. The route marker and distance signs seem to vary between the standard and smaller route markers.
PICT0249
These signs have normal sized secondary markers instead of the smaller ones used alongside full-sized VA 42 signs back to the south.
PICT0250
Virginia makes a big deal of signing the streams that are part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
PICT0251
Along with the smaller VA 257 and VA 42 signs found in Bridgewater, there is this Wisconsin-style I-81 sign.
PICT0252
VA 42, VA 257 and I-81 signage in Bridgewater.
PICT0253
The town of Bridgewater uses some decorative posts for some of its road signs.
PICT0254
This is looking west on VA 257 where it intersects VA 42.
PICT0256
This VA 42 sign has an unusual font.
PICT0257
Shot of VA 42 as it carries four lanes between Bridgewater and Harrisonburg.
PICT0258
VA 257 departs VA 42 at Dayton and a business route for VA 42 departs with it.
PICT0259
At the intersection where VA 257 and Business VA 42 turn.
PICT0260
Just a short distance ahead, VA 290 intersects VA 42.
PICT0261
VA 290 is only about 6/10's of a mile long but it is very well posted along VA 42.
PICT0262
Past Dayton, VA 42 continues on a four-lane alignment as it nears Harrisonburg.
PICT0263
North of Dayton, Business VA 42 rejoins the main route.
PICT0264
At the intersection of VA 42 and Business 42.
PICT0265
This sign in Harrisonburg directs motorists who wish to get to I-81 to turn right.
PICT0266
Lamenting the loss of cutouts -- for years the intersection of VA 42 and US 33 was marked with cutout signs for both routes. Now those cutouts, like most of those in Harrisonburg, have disappeared. They have been replaced with these standard markers.
PICT0267
This VA 42 sign replaces where a cutout previously stood.
PICT0268
Access routes from VA 42 to US 11 and I-81 are well-marked.
PICT0269
North of Harrisonburg, VA 42 is still four lanes as it heads toward Broadway.
PICT0270
Another shot of four-lane VA 42.
PICT0271
An alternate route for VA 259 is posted in Broadway.
PICT0272
At the intersection of VA 42 and Alt. VA 259.
PICT0273
VA 42 approaches VA 259 for a brief shared run.
PICT0274
At the intersection. Note the use of the West Virginia state line as a destination for VA 259.
PICT0275
The beginning of the combined VA 42/259 route in Broadway.
PICT0276
Approaching the split of VA 42 and VA 259.
PICT0277
VA 42 and VA 259 signage along with I-81 markers.
PICT0278
Approaching the terminus of Alternate 259.
PICT0279
At the intersection.
PICT0280
Although not signed on VA 42 north, this signage indicates that VA 259 alternate continues.
PICT0281
At the intersection.
PICT0282
The first Alt. 259 sign looking back toward VA 259.
PICT0283
This is heading south on VA 42 and west on VA 259 and it shows Alt. 259.
PICT0284
At the intersection of VA 42 and VA 259.
PICT0285
Looking west on VA 259 heading out of Broadway.
PICT0286
This is heading back into Broadway on eastbound VA 259.
PICT0287
At the intersection. The I-81 sign dwarfs the smaller state route markers.
PICT0288
Back on VA 42 north, heading out of Broadway and toward Timberville.
PICT0289
Obscured by a tree is this advance sign for the intersection of VA 42 and VA 211 in Timberville.
PICT0290
VA 211 connects VA 42 with I-81, where it becomes US 211 at New Market.
PICT0291
Despite the signage, this is not the terminus of US 211. This is the terminus of VA 211, which is a continuation of US 211 west of New Market.
PICT0292
Looking east on VA 211. That's Massanutten Mountain in the distance.
PICT0293
There is signage for VA 305 just west of the I-81 exit at New Market, along VA 211.
PICT0294
Entering the town of New Market, VA 211 becomes US 211 and the newly minted US route has a short stretch where it runs along with US 11, its parent route.
PICT0296
At the US 11-US 211 intersection. The I-81 sign sits high above the other signage here.
PICT0297
Looking south on US 11 beyond the US 211 intersection in New Market.
PICT0298
Outside New Market, the first mileage sign for US 11.
PICT0299
Approaching the terminus of VA 259.
PICT0300
If you are heading east on VA 259 and go straight through the traffic light at US 11, you will enter the ramp to southbound I-81.
PICT0301
Beyond the VA 259 junction, Roanoke makes its first appearance on the US 11 mileage signs.
PICT0302
Through much of this portion of Virginia, US 11 has three lanes. In some places that third lane is a center two-way left turn lane, but in other places it's a passing lane. This certainly helps move traffic along on this quiet, scenic alternative to I-81.
PICT0303
Another US 11 mileage sign as Harrisonburg gets closer.
PICT0304
Just as US 11 is well-signed on VA 42, the opposite is true as well. Access to VA 42 (and US 33) is very well signed on US 11 in the Harrisonburg area.
PICT0305
This US 11 sign, situated as it is below a smaller thinner directional banner, has probably replaced a cutout in recent years.
PICT0306
The first notation of a connector route to US 33 on US 11. The signs barely visible beyond that US 33 sign have replaced cutouts.
PICT0307
Another trailblazer marker for US 33.
PICT0308
US 11 approaches US 33 in downtown Harrisonburg.
PICT0309
The intersection of US 11 and US 33 in downtown Harrisonburg.
PICT0310
More trailblazer signage for I-81 and VA 42.
PICT0311
Still another opportunity to reach either VA 42 or I-81 in Harrisonburg.
PICT0312
Secondary 679 contains a number of motels and other road service businesses. Beyond it is an access route to I-81.
PICT0313
Past Harrisonburg, US 11 quickly takes on a rural character.
PICT0314
Approaching VA 257 on US 11.
PICT0315
At the intersection of VA 257 and US 11.
PICT0316
Heading further south on US 11, drawing closer to Staunton.
PICT0317
These cutouts were spotted near the Rockingham-Augusta county line.
PICT0318
VA 256 provides access from US 11 to I-81 and beyond to Weyers Cave and Grottoes.
PICT0319
At the VA 256 intersection.
PICT0320
Trees obscure this US 11 and mileage sign.
PICT0321
Near Mount Sidney, one of the very short Virginia primary routes that serves a college campus.
PICT0322
The US 11 sign is obscured by trees but the destination towns are easily visible.
PICT0323
This seven-sign assembly greets drivers as they approach the Staunton bypass, which was previously numbered as VA 275.
PICT0324
This sign shows that VA 275 has a new number now that the bypass is complete.
PICT0325
These overheads direct traffic onto either Business US 11, or the "regular" US 11 which is also signed as a truck route for US 11 and US 250.
PICT0326
At Statler Brothers Boulevard, which is the unsigned VA 261.
PICT0327
A "unisign" at the VA 261 intersection.
PICT0328
Another "unisign" on US 11 approaching VA 254.
PICT0329
Overheads for US 11, US 250 and VA 254 approaching downtown Staunton. These are older overheads with black borders around the route markers.
PICT0330
A "unisign" for US 11 and US 250.
PICT0331
Another "unisign" for US 11, US 250 and VA 254.
PICT0332
A "unisign" for VA 254.
PICT0333
Oddly-shaped interstate markers on the turn from Business US 11 south to US 250 east.
PICT0334
Cutouts for US 11, US 250 and VA 254. This is looking west on US 250.
PICT0335
A US 11 cutout in Staunton.
PICT0336
Another US 11 cutout in Staunton. This is at the turn from US 250 west onto Business US 11 south.
PICT0337
Cutouts on US 11 north approaching US 250. Beyond the railroad underpass, US 11 turns right and US 250 turns left. The backs of the interstate shields with the odd shapes, shown in a previous photo, can be seen in the background.
PICT0338
US 250 cutout on northbound Business US 11.
PICT0339
A normal US 250 marker as the route departs the US 11 intersection and heads out toward I-81.

Back to the Millennium Highway Roadtrips Page