Town of Blacksburg will close Draper Road between College Avenue and Jackson Street on Thursday June 11, 2020, to expand outdoor dining and create more public space downtown. The Town is committed to helping restaurants open outdoor dining safely and successfully in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order (EO) 61.  As the weather gets nicer, we understand the need to get out to enjoy a meal, get fresh air and shop your favorite stores. To that end, the closure of Draper Road will allow for expanded outdoor seating, wider sidewalks and public spaces for downtown pedestrians. Over the coming weeks picnic tables, planters and lights will be added to transform the space into an inviting area the public can enjoy while remaining a safe distance apart.   

As a general rule, please continue to follow these guidelines, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

•        Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering

•        Stay home when you are sick

•        Avoid contact with sick people

•        Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing

•        Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

•        Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

•        Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

•        Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and

•        Avoiding close contact with crowds of any size

Restaurants interested in expanding their outdoor dining space anywhere in Town can contact Matt Hanratty, Assistant to the Town Manager, at 540-443-1611 or mhanratty@blacksburg.gov.    Additional information about expanding outdoor dining can also be found at http://blacksburg.gov/outdoordining.