Route 17 northbound at Dragon Run, now held to a single lane of traffic due to an accident, will remain at reduced width due to upcoming construction to replace this bridge starting in March 2026. The Virginia Department of Transportation said the decision was made after a crash damaged a section of bridge rail and guardrail on the northbound bridge on Dec. 10. “Based on recent and repeated bridge strikes occurring at this location, for traveler safety the right lane will remain closed until the bridge replacement project begins this upcoming spring,” said VDOT Saluda Residency Administrator Lee McKnight. “It also avoids investing in another repair just before the bridge is removed and replaced.” Work zone barriers separate the left lane of Route 17 northbound from the closed right lane and the impacted bridge rail and guardrail. The northbound left travel lane is 14 feet wide. Southbound Route 17 traffic crosses Dragon Run on a separate bridge and both southbound lanes remain open. Co...