Just a FYI to anybody coming down to Abingdon via I-81...when you hit Smyth County I-81 southbound can be a brutal mess. Lot's of bridge construction especially Chilhowie at Exit 35. Even when not working the bridge is 1 lane.
I've seen I-81 southbound backed up from Exit 35 to passed Exit 39 at Seven Mile Ford. You can get off at Seven Mile Ford and take the Lee Hwy (Rt.11) thru Seven Mile Ford to Chilhowie BUT Chilhowie is undergoing a lot of road construction too.
You'd probably be better off to give yourself at least a ½ hour cushion.
I've seen I-81 southbound backed up from Exit 35 to passed Exit 39 at Seven Mile Ford. You can get off at Seven Mile Ford and take the Lee Hwy (Rt.11) thru Seven Mile Ford to Chilhowie BUT Chilhowie is undergoing a lot of road construction too.
You'd probably be better off to give yourself at least a ½ hour cushion.