U.S. 501

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U.S. 501

U.S. 501 extends 111.51 miles north into Virginia from Roxboro, North Carolina. U.S. 501 follows a four lane highway north 10.94 miles from the state line to U.S. 58/360 at South Boston. North from there, U.S. 501 heads to the Halifax County seat of Halifax.

U.S. 501 continues northwest to Rustburg, seat of Campbell County, en route to Lynchburg. Within Lynchburg, U.S. 501 passes through the city along a series of expressways with overlaps alongside U.S. 29 and U.S. 460. The northernmost section of U.S. 501 parallels the James River into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Turning northeast at Glasgow, U.S. 501 follows the Blue Ridge Mountains northeast to U.S. 60 in Buena Vista.

The Lynchburg Expressway encircles the city of Lynchburg from Madison Heights west to Brookview and north toward Boonesboro. The four lane freeway is part of U.S. 501 south from Boonesboro Road to Candler Mountain Road, and U.S. 29 Business east from Wards Road to Amherst Highway in Madison Heights. Sequential exit numbers are used along the expressway from the Main Street exit south of Downtown to Graves Mill Road south of U.S. 221.

U.S. 501 North
U.S. 501 leaves the freeway along U.S. 29/460 (Liberty Mountain Drive) for an arterial connector joining it and the Lynchburg Expressway (U.S. 29 Business). Traffic signals follow at Candler Mountain Road south.

U.S. 501 leaves the freeway along U.S. 29/460 (Liberty Mountain Drive) for an arterial connector joining it and the Lynchburg Expressway (U.S. 29 Business). Traffic signals follow at Candler Mountain Road south.

05/30/05

Candler Mountain Road meanders south from U.S. 501 and SR 128 to SR 670, Liberty University and Candler Mountain. SR 128 eastbound follows Mayflower Drive north to Perkins Park and Fairview Heights.
2 photos

Candler Mountain Road meanders south from U.S. 501 and SR 128 to SR 670, Liberty University and Candler Mountain. SR 128 eastbound follows Mayflower Drive north to Perkins Park and Fairview Heights.

05/30/05

U.S. 501/SR 128 (Candler Mountain Road) combine across a viaduct over the Norfolk Southern Railroad that dates back to 1932.

U.S. 501/SR 128 (Candler Mountain Road) combine across a viaduct over the Norfolk Southern Railroad that dates back to 1932.

05/30/05

A traffic light operates north of the NS Railroad bridge at Murray Place and the entrance to River Ridge Mall.

A traffic light operates north of the NS Railroad bridge at Murray Place and the entrance to River Ridge Mall.

05/30/05

U.S. 501/SR 128 partition at the cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 29 Business (Lynchburg Expressway). U.S. 460 originally used this connection as well, but was eventually relocated onto a freeway by Candler Mountain and Lynchburg Regional Airport.

U.S. 501/SR 128 partition at the cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 29 Business (Lynchburg Expressway). U.S. 460 originally used this connection as well, but was eventually relocated onto a freeway by Candler Mountain and Lynchburg Regional Airport.

05/30/05

U.S. 29 Business replaced U.S. 29 as the main designation for the Lynchburg Expressway leading east to Downtown Lynchburg and Madison Heights when the Lynchburg-Madison Heights Bypass opened in October 2005.

U.S. 29 Business replaced U.S. 29 as the main designation for the Lynchburg Expressway leading east to Downtown Lynchburg and Madison Heights when the Lynchburg-Madison Heights Bypass opened in October 2005.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 north joins U.S. 29 Business south along the Lynchburg Expressway via a loop ramp.

U.S. 501 north joins U.S. 29 Business south along the Lynchburg Expressway via a loop ramp.

05/30/05

SR 128 continues Candler Mountain Road north from U.S. 501/29 Business to Wards Road (SR 163 - the original U.S. 29 business loop).

SR 128 continues Candler Mountain Road north from U.S. 501/29 Business to Wards Road (SR 163 - the original U.S. 29 business loop).

05/30/05

Westbound on the Lynchburg Expressway at the split of U.S. 29 Business south from U.S. 501 north. SR 163 follows Wards Roads south from U.S. 460 Business and Fort Avenue.

Westbound on the Lynchburg Expressway at the split of U.S. 29 Business south from U.S. 501 north. SR 163 follows Wards Roads south from U.S. 460 Business and Fort Avenue.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 North - Lynchburg Expressway
U.S. 501 bends northwesterly from Wards Road toward the Brookville and Clay communities of Lynchburg.

U.S. 501 bends northwesterly from Wards Road toward the Brookville and Clay communities of Lynchburg.

05/30/05

Exits 10 A/B are part of a cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 460 Business (Fort Avenue) east of Richland Hills.

Exits 10 A/B are part of a cloverleaf interchange with U.S. 460 Business (Fort Avenue) east of Richland Hills.

05/30/05

Trees and bushes occupy land the median along U.S. 501 ahead of U.S. 460 Business. Landscaping is maintained by sponsors.U.S. 460 used to follow the Lynchburg Expressway to Timberlake Road west.

Trees and bushes occupy land the median along U.S. 501 ahead of U.S. 460 Business. Landscaping is maintained by sponsors.
U.S. 460 used to follow the Lynchburg Expressway to Timberlake Road west.

05/30/05

Exit 10 A leaves U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) north for U.S. 460 (Fort Avenue) east to Fort Hill.

Exit 10 A leaves U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) north for U.S. 460 (Fort Avenue) east to Fort Hill.

05/30/05

U.S. 460 Business follows Timberlake Road west from Brookville to Beechwood Hills, Brush Tavern, and Timberlake west of the city line.

U.S. 460 Business follows Timberlake Road west from Brookville to Beechwood Hills, Brush Tavern, and Timberlake west of the city line.

05/30/05

One half mile south of the diamond interchange (Exit 11) with Graves Mill Road at a NS Railroad overpass. U.S. 221 south links to SR 661 (Bateman Bridge Road) toward Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest.

One half mile south of the diamond interchange (Exit 11) with Graves Mill Road at a NS Railroad overpass. U.S. 221 south links to SR 661 (Bateman Bridge Road) toward Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) northbound at Exit 11 to Graves Mill Road. Graves Mill Road runs west to U.S. 221 (Forest Road) and southeast to U.S. 460 (Fort Avenue), parallel to U.S. 501. The road was once part of SR 126.

U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) northbound at Exit 11 to Graves Mill Road. Graves Mill Road runs west to U.S. 221 (Forest Road) and southeast to U.S. 460 (Fort Avenue), parallel to U.S. 501. The road was once part of SR 126.

05/30/05

Northbound U.S. 501 reassurance shield preceding U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).

Northbound U.S. 501 reassurance shield preceding U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).

05/30/05

The freeway portion of U.S. 501 ends at the traffic light with U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).

The freeway portion of U.S. 501 ends at the traffic light with U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).

05/30/05

U.S. 221 follows Lakeside Drive east to Lynchburg College and Oakley Avenue, and Forest Road west from the city line to Forest, Goode and the city of Bedford.

U.S. 221 follows Lakeside Drive east to Lynchburg College and Oakley Avenue, and Forest Road west from the city line to Forest, Goode and the city of Bedford.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 turns northeastward along Old Forest Road briefly before again upgrading into the Lynchburg Expressway. Old Forest Road was a part of SR 291 until 1989, when U.S. 501 was relocated from Rivermont Avenue.

U.S. 501 turns northeastward along Old Forest Road briefly before again upgrading into the Lynchburg Expressway. Old Forest Road was a part of SR 291 until 1989, when U.S. 501 was relocated from Rivermont Avenue.

05/30/05

Lynchburg Expressway between Old Forest Road and Boonsboro Road (U.S. 501 Business) is mostly a two-lane road. U.S. 501 departs Old Forest Road for the expressway at the next traffic light.

Lynchburg Expressway between Old Forest Road and Boonsboro Road (U.S. 501 Business) is mostly a two-lane road. U.S. 501 departs Old Forest Road for the expressway at the next traffic light.

05/30/05

SR 291 followed all of Old Forest Road from U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive) to Lynchburg College, and a portion of the Lynchburg Expressway between Lakeside Drive and Fort Avenue. Old Forest Road is now locally maintained, with a commercial strip after U.S. 501.

SR 291 followed all of Old Forest Road from U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive) to Lynchburg College, and a portion of the Lynchburg Expressway between Lakeside Drive and Fort Avenue. Old Forest Road is now locally maintained, with a commercial strip after U.S. 501.

05/30/05

Resuming along the Lynchburg Expressway, northbound U.S. 501 runs west of Blue Ridge Farms.

Resuming along the Lynchburg Expressway, northbound U.S. 501 runs west of Blue Ridge Farms.

05/30/05

Passing opportunities are striped along the two lane section of the Lynchburg Expressway. Fleming and Tobacco Row Mountains are visible along the horizon.

Passing opportunities are striped along the two lane section of the Lynchburg Expressway. Fleming and Tobacco Row Mountains are visible along the horizon.

05/30/05

A folded diamond interchange joins U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) with Wiggington Road next. Wiggington Road stems northwest from Old Forest Road to becomes SR 620 outside the city.

A folded diamond interchange joins U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) with Wiggington Road next. Wiggington Road stems northwest from Old Forest Road to becomes SR 620 outside the city.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 widens into a conventional four lane freeway at the Wiggington Road off-ramp. Wiggington Road south provides access to Peaks View Park along Ivy Creek. SR 620 continues the road northwest to SR 644 near Boonsboro.

U.S. 501 widens into a conventional four lane freeway at the Wiggington Road off-ramp. Wiggington Road south provides access to Peaks View Park along Ivy Creek. SR 620 continues the road northwest to SR 644 near Boonsboro.

05/30/05

Continuing north, U.S. 501 again reduces to two overall lanes.

Continuing north, U.S. 501 again reduces to two overall lanes.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 rejoins its original alignment along Boonesboro Road from the norty end of the Lynchburg Expressway. Boonesboro Road east to Rivermont Avenue is U.S. 501 Business.

U.S. 501 rejoins its original alignment along Boonesboro Road from the norty end of the Lynchburg Expressway. Boonesboro Road east to Rivermont Avenue is U.S. 501 Business.

05/30/05

The Lynchburg Expressway defaults onto U.S. 501 Business (Boonesboro Road) south (east) to Peakland and Downtown Lynchburg. U.S. 501 follows Boonesboro Road to Lee Jackson Highway, Coleman Falls and Big Island.

The Lynchburg Expressway defaults onto U.S. 501 Business (Boonesboro Road) south (east) to Peakland and Downtown Lynchburg. U.S. 501 follows Boonesboro Road to Lee Jackson Highway, Coleman Falls and Big Island.

05/30/05

Irvington Springs Road ties into the exchange joining U.S. 501/501 Business from the south.

Irvington Springs Road ties into the exchange joining U.S. 501/501 Business from the south.

05/30/05

Traveling west, this reassurance stands along U.S. 501 (Boonesboro Road) beyond the Lynchburg Expressway.

Traveling west, this reassurance stands along U.S. 501 (Boonesboro Road) beyond the Lynchburg Expressway.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 leaves the city of Lynchburg at Boonsboro, beyond the intersection with Coffee Road south.

U.S. 501 leaves the city of Lynchburg at Boonsboro, beyond the intersection with Coffee Road south.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 ends at U.S. 60 (29th Street) in Buena Vista. U.S. 60 connects the independent city with Lexington to the west and Blue Ridge Parkway and Amherst to the east. This old guide sign stands just north of 28th Street on Beech Avenue.

U.S. 501 ends at U.S. 60 (29th Street) in Buena Vista. U.S. 60 connects the independent city with Lexington to the west and Blue Ridge Parkway and Amherst to the east. This old guide sign stands just north of 28th Street on Beech Avenue.

05/30/05

U.S. 60 follows 28th Street and Midland Trailand west to I-81 at Exit 188. Eastward, U.S. 60 leaves the city into George Washington National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains. U.S. 60 remains fairly rural between Buena Vista and Richmond.

U.S. 60 follows 28th Street and Midland Trailand west to I-81 at Exit 188. Eastward, U.S. 60 leaves the city into George Washington National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains. U.S. 60 remains fairly rural between Buena Vista and Richmond.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 South
The first U.S. 501 southbound shield appears along Beech Avenue between 28th Street and Park Avenue. U.S. 501 travels 110 miles within Virginia and 355 miles overall to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The first U.S. 501 southbound shield appears along Beech Avenue between 28th Street and Park Avenue. U.S. 501 travels 110 miles within Virginia and 355 miles overall to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) southbound at Park Avenue. Park Avenue to Magnolia Avenue was the previous route of U.S. 501, but in 2004, the city of Buena Vista shifted U.S. 501 onto an alignment utilizing Beech Avenue south to Sycamore Avenue (former U.S. 501 Alternate). U.S. 501 Business follows 22nd Street east from Sycamore Avenue onto Magnolia Avenue south.1

U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) southbound at Park Avenue. Park Avenue to Magnolia Avenue was the previous route of U.S. 501, but in 2004, the city of Buena Vista shifted U.S. 501 onto an alignment utilizing Beech Avenue south to Sycamore Avenue (former U.S. 501 Alternate). U.S. 501 Business follows 22nd Street east from Sycamore Avenue onto Magnolia Avenue south.1

05/30/05

Continuing south along Beech Avenue (U.S. 501) from Park Avenue toward Downtown Buena Vista.

Continuing south along Beech Avenue (U.S. 501) from Park Avenue toward Downtown Buena Vista.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 transitions from Lee Jackson Highway to Boonesboro Road at Coffee Road and the Lynchburg city line.

U.S. 501 transitions from Lee Jackson Highway to Boonesboro Road at Coffee Road and the Lynchburg city line.

05/30/05

Boonesboro Road leads east to the Lynchburg Expressway. U.S. 501 joins the expressway while U.S. 501 Business follows the old alignment on Boonesboro Road east to Rivermont Avenue.

Boonesboro Road leads east to the Lynchburg Expressway. U.S. 501 joins the expressway while U.S. 501 Business follows the old alignment on Boonesboro Road east to Rivermont Avenue.

05/30/05

The two lane section of the Lynchburg Expressway takes U.S. 501 south to U.S. 29 Business around the outer periphery of the city.

The two lane section of the Lynchburg Expressway takes U.S. 501 south to U.S. 29 Business around the outer periphery of the city.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 Business provides a more direct route to Downtown via Langhorne Road south to 5th Street (SR 163) or 12th Street. Irvington Springs Road stems south from the partition U.S. 501/501 Business to a handful of subdivisions.

U.S. 501 Business provides a more direct route to Downtown via Langhorne Road south to 5th Street (SR 163) or 12th Street. Irvington Springs Road stems south from the partition U.S. 501/501 Business to a handful of subdivisions.

05/30/05

An older Interstate 81 trailblazer directs U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) motorists onto U.S. 60 west. Interstate 81 north merges with Interstate 64 east nearby; U.S. 60 also joins with U.S. 60 on its trek to Clifton Forge.

An older Interstate 81 trailblazer directs U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) motorists onto U.S. 60 west. Interstate 81 north merges with Interstate 64 east nearby; U.S. 60 also joins with U.S. 60 on its trek to Clifton Forge.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 South - Lynchburg Expressway
Turning southward onto the Lynchburg Expressway, U.S. 501 briefly carries four lanes from Boonesboro Road.

Turning southward onto the Lynchburg Expressway, U.S. 501 briefly carries four lanes from Boonesboro Road.

05/30/05

Sinking southward along U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) near Cheese Creek.

Sinking southward along U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) near Cheese Creek.

05/30/05

Wiggington Road meets U.S. 501 at a folded diamond interchange west of Blue Ridge Farms.

Wiggington Road meets U.S. 501 at a folded diamond interchange west of Blue Ridge Farms.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 expands to four overall lanes at the Wiggington Road exit. Wiggington Road travels to Peaks View Park nearby en route to Old Forest Road (old SR 291). Northward the road continues to Coffee Road (SR 644).

U.S. 501 expands to four overall lanes at the Wiggington Road exit. Wiggington Road travels to Peaks View Park nearby en route to Old Forest Road (old SR 291). Northward the road continues to Coffee Road (SR 644).

05/30/05

U.S. 501 turns southeast over Ivy Creek as a Super Two freeway again.

U.S. 501 turns southeast over Ivy Creek as a Super Two freeway again.

05/30/05

The north segment of the Lynchburg Expressway ends at the traffic light with Old Forest Road. U.S. 501 turns southward onto the arterial to make the connection with the south segment of the freeway at U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).
2 photos

The north segment of the Lynchburg Expressway ends at the traffic light with Old Forest Road. U.S. 501 turns southward onto the arterial to make the connection with the south segment of the freeway at U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive).

05/30/05

U.S. 501 follows Old Forest Road south to U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive). U.S. 221 follows a 150 mile route in Virginia from Lynchburg west to the North Carolina line, south of Independence.

U.S. 501 follows Old Forest Road south to U.S. 221 (Lakeside Drive). U.S. 221 follows a 150 mile route in Virginia from Lynchburg west to the North Carolina line, south of Independence.

05/30/05

Southbound at the traffic light with Lakeside Drive. U.S. 221 begins in Lynchburg and travels west along Kemper Street, Forest Avenue, Oakley Avenue, and Lakeside Drive to Forest Road en route to Forest, Goode and Bedford.

Southbound at the traffic light with Lakeside Drive. U.S. 221 begins in Lynchburg and travels west along Kemper Street, Forest Avenue, Oakley Avenue, and Lakeside Drive to Forest Road en route to Forest, Goode and Bedford.

05/30/05

Heading south, U.S. 501 upgrades into a conventional freeway directly from U.S. 221. The initial freeway between Lakeside Drive and Fort Avenue was originally signed as SR 291.

Heading south, U.S. 501 upgrades into a conventional freeway directly from U.S. 221. The initial freeway between Lakeside Drive and Fort Avenue was originally signed as SR 291.

05/30/05

Exit 11 joins U.S. 501 with Graves Mill Road in one half mile. Graves Mill Road was signed as SR 126 until 1977.2

Exit 11 joins U.S. 501 with Graves Mill Road in one half mile. Graves Mill Road was signed as SR 126 until 1977.2

05/30/05

Drivers bound for Graves Mill Road west to Richland Hills or U.S. 221 (Forest Road) depart U.S. 501 south. Graves Mill Road east parallels U.S. 501 south to U.S. 460 Business (Fort Avenue).

Drivers bound for Graves Mill Road west to Richland Hills or U.S. 221 (Forest Road) depart U.S. 501 south. Graves Mill Road east parallels U.S. 501 south to U.S. 460 Business (Fort Avenue).

05/30/05

U.S. 460 Business follows Timberlake Road east from Timberlake to meet U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) at a cloverleaf interchange (Exits 10B/A).

U.S. 460 Business follows Timberlake Road east from Timberlake to meet U.S. 501 (Lynchburg Expressway) at a cloverleaf interchange (Exits 10B/A).

05/30/05

Fort Avenue continues U.S. 460 Business east to Fort Hill and U.S. 221 (Oakley Avenue) southwest of downtown Lynchburg.

Fort Avenue continues U.S. 460 Business east to Fort Hill and U.S. 221 (Oakley Avenue) southwest of downtown Lynchburg.

05/30/05

Use Wards Road south for Central Virginia Community College nearby, and Lynchburg Regional Airport south of U.S. 29/460.

Use Wards Road south for Central Virginia Community College nearby, and Lynchburg Regional Airport south of U.S. 29/460.

05/30/05

U.S. 29 joins the Lynchburg area with Altavista, Hurt, Gretna, Chatham, and Danville. The US route mainline was relocated from the Lynchburg Expressway in October 2005 when the Lynchburg-Madison Heights Bypass opened to traffic.

U.S. 29 joins the Lynchburg area with Altavista, Hurt, Gretna, Chatham, and Danville. The US route mainline was relocated from the Lynchburg Expressway in October 2005 when the Lynchburg-Madison Heights Bypass opened to traffic.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 south / U.S. 29 Business north briefly overlap between Wards Road and Candler Mountain Road (Exit 8B).

U.S. 501 south / U.S. 29 Business north briefly overlap between Wards Road and Candler Mountain Road (Exit 8B).

05/30/05

U.S. 29 Business North U.S. 501 South - Lynchburg Expressway
Candler Mountain Road heads southeast from Wards Road (SR 163) as SR 128 to the Lynchburg Expressway at Exit 8. U.S. 501/SR 128 briefly merge by River Ridge Mall to Mayflower Drive and Candler Mountain Road south to Liberty University.

Candler Mountain Road heads southeast from Wards Road (SR 163) as SR 128 to the Lynchburg Expressway at Exit 8. U.S. 501/SR 128 briefly merge by River Ridge Mall to Mayflower Drive and Candler Mountain Road south to Liberty University.

05/30/05

U.S. 501 joins the Lynchburg Expressway with U.S. 29/460 (Liberty Mountain Drive) via a four lane arterial. SR 128 meanders east from U.S. 501 to Perkins Park and Fairview Heights and west to SR 163 at Sheffield Drive.

U.S. 501 joins the Lynchburg Expressway with U.S. 29/460 (Liberty Mountain Drive) via a four lane arterial. SR 128 meanders east from U.S. 501 to Perkins Park and Fairview Heights and west to SR 163 at Sheffield Drive.

05/30/05

Former U.S. 501 - Buena Vista
U.S. 501 shifted from its alignment along Magnolia and Park Avenues in 2004 to utilize Sycamore and Beech Avenues to the west. Park Avenue angles northwest from Magnolia Avenue at 25th Street to U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) at this traffic light.

U.S. 501 shifted from its alignment along Magnolia and Park Avenues in 2004 to utilize Sycamore and Beech Avenues to the west. Park Avenue angles northwest from Magnolia Avenue at 25th Street to U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue) at this traffic light.

05/30/05

30 inch traffic signals at the intersection of Park Avenue and U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue). Factory Street stems west to an industrial area at Allegheny Avenue. Beech Avenue travels two blocks to U.S. 60.The center signals over Beech Avenue were eventually replaced.

30 inch traffic signals at the intersection of Park Avenue and U.S. 501 (Beech Avenue). Factory Street stems west to an industrial area at Allegheny Avenue. Beech Avenue travels two blocks to U.S. 60.
The center signals over Beech Avenue were eventually replaced.

05/30/05

References:

  1. US 501. The Virginia Highways Project.
  2. VA 121 to 140. The Virginia Highways Project.

Photo Credits:

Connect with:

U.S. 29U.S. 29
U.S. Highway 58U.S. 58
U.S. 60U.S. 60
U.S. 221U.S. 221
U.S. 360U.S. 360
U.S. 460U.S. 460

Page Updated Wednesday March 24, 2010.