Facility Overview

2360 Pedlar Rd Parking is a designated Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Park and Ride facility situated along Pedlar Road (State Route 603) in Elliston, Montgomery County, Virginia. Positioned immediately off Interstate 81 at Exit 128 (Ironto), this open-air surface parking lot functions as a vital regional staging area for highway commuters, carpoolers, and outdoor enthusiasts traversing Southwest Virginia. The facility features an open-sky surface footprint designed for hassle-free drive-in access, clear lane navigation, and straightforward vehicle maneuvering.

Because the facility is an uncovered, open-air lot with no overhead barriers, parking decks, or clearance restrictions, it accommodates vehicles of virtually any height. Drivers of standard passenger cars, station wagons, full-size pickup trucks (such as Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Ram models), oversized SUVs, transit vans, and vehicles equipped with rooftop cargo boxes, kayak racks, or bike carriers can park with ease.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located in the heart of the Roanoke and New River Valleys, 2360 Pedlar Rd Parking offers strategic access between the urban centers of Roanoke and Salem to the east, and Christiansburg, Radford, and Blacksburg to the southwest. Key regional attractions and destinations include:

• Virginia Tech Campus & Lane Stadium (Blacksburg): Located roughly 20 miles (about 25 minutes by car) southwest via I-81 and US-460, making this lot a favored meeting point for Hokie football and basketball fans carpooling to home games.
• Salem Civic Center & Salem Memorial Ballpark: Approximately 14 miles east (15 to 18 minutes by car), home to college tournaments, minor league baseball, concerts, and regional expos.
• Roanoke Regional Hub & Downtown: Downtown Roanoke, the Berglund Center, and the Mill Mountain Star are located roughly 20 miles east along the I-81/I-581 corridor.
• Appalachian Trail & Outdoor Recreation: A short drive north to Catawba Valley leads hikers to Virginia’s famous Triple Crown—McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon's Tooth—as well as the trails of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and the Bottom Creek Gorge Nature Preserve.
• Local Montgomery County Communities: Just minutes from local commercial services, schools, and conveniences in Elliston, Ironto, and Shawsville along Route 11 and Route 460.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the lot is remarkably straightforward. Motorists traveling along Interstate 81 take Exit 128 for Ironto/Route 603 and turn onto Pedlar Road; the parking entrance is situated mere seconds from both the northbound and southbound highway ramps. Ingress and egress are smooth, with broad turning radiuses that facilitate seamless entry and exit even during peak morning and evening travel periods.

As an official park-and-ride commuter stop along the heavily traveled I-81 corridor, the facility functions as a central rendezvous location for informal carpools, employer-sponsored vanpools, and regional rideshare arrangements. Its proximity to both I-81 and U.S. Route 11 allows drivers to bypass secondary traffic bottlenecks when heading toward Roanoke, Christiansburg, or Blacksburg.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 100% Free Public Parking: Maintained under VDOT park-and-ride guidelines, requiring no hourly meters, ticketing machines, or daily permits.
• Open-Air Surface Lot: Expansive layout offering clear sightlines and easy turnarounds for vehicles of all sizes.
• Zero Height Clearance Restrictions: Unobstructed overhead clearance accommodates tall commercial vans, work trucks, and vehicles with rooftop accessories.
• 24/7 Year-Round Accessibility: Accessible around the clock every day of the week, supporting varied commuter shifts and early-morning recreation.
• Direct Highway Proximity: Located immediately off I-81 Exit 128, eliminating complex back-road navigation.
• Designated Accessible Spaces: ADA-compliant parking bays positioned for convenient pedestrian movement.
• Area Lighting: Elevated lighting throughout the parcel to assist commuters arriving or leaving during early dawn and night hours.

Ideal For

• Highway Commuters & Carpoolers: Drivers sharing rides between Montgomery County, Christiansburg, Salem, and Roanoke along Interstate 81.
• College & Game-Day Travelers: Alumni, students, and sports spectators grouping up into single vehicles for trips to Virginia Tech or Radford University athletic events.
• Appalachian Trail Hikers & Campers: Outdoor adventure groups consolidating into one vehicle before heading up to nearby trailheads in the Catawba Valley and Blue Ridge backcountry.
• Regional Rideshare Coordination: Business travelers and utility contractors coordinating meetups and vehicle pooling near Exit 128.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking at 2360 Pedlar Rd is available on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation requirements. To ensure a smooth experience, consider these practical suggestions:

• Game Days & Peak Holidays: On Virginia Tech home football Saturdays and major travel holidays (such as Thanksgiving and Memorial Day weekends), the lot experiences higher carpooling activity. Arrive early to coordinate your vehicle grouping and secure an optimal stall.
• VDOT Parking Rules: As a state-administered park-and-ride facility, vehicles may not be stored long-term, abandoned, or used for overnight habitation. Ensure your vehicle is parked strictly within marked stall lines.
• Traffic Awareness: Check Virginia 511 (VDOT 511) prior to departure for real-time construction updates and lane condition reports along the I-81 corridor.
• Vehicle Security: As with any public highway lot, lock all doors, roll up windows completely, and keep all personal bags and electronics hidden from plain view inside your trunk.