About this Location

Facility Overview

The Orange Citgo Alternate parking facility, situated at 1801 Thompson Memorial Drive in the Salem/Roanoke area, offers functional and accessible surface-level parking suited for local patrons, daily commuters, and interstate travelers. Positioned directly along Virginia State Route 311 (Thompson Memorial Drive) near the bustling Interstate 81 corridor, this open-air lot provides straightforward, ground-level access without the structural constraints of multi-level garages. The open layout features generous vertical clearance with zero overhead height restrictions, making it effortless to accommodate standard passenger sedans, oversized pickup trucks, SUVs, utility vans, and light commercial vehicles.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located on the strategic northern approach to Salem and Roanoke, this location provides convenient parking access to major regional hubs, recreational corridors, and event destinations across the Roanoke Valley:

Salem Civic Center & Salem Memorial Ballpark: Located just under 3 miles away (approx. 5 to 7 minutes by car), making this a handy staging or quick-stop point for Salem Red Sox baseball games, regional concerts, and sporting expos.
Roanoke College: Located approximately 2.5 miles south in historic downtown Salem, ideal for parents, students, and visitors traveling toward the campus.
McAfee Knob & Appalachian Trail Access: Situated directly on Route 311 heading north toward Catawba Valley, this is a prime convenience and rally point before heading to world-renowned Appalachian Trail hiking destinations.
Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail & Golf Club: Just minutes away, offering immediate convenience for local golfers, trail walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Valley View Mall & Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA): Reachable within a 10-minute drive eastbound along I-81 and Route 581.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress at 1801 Thompson Memorial Drive are designed for fluid traffic movement directly onto Route 311. Motorists benefit from immediate proximity to Interstate 81 (Exit 141), allowing seamless northbound and southbound freeway entry within seconds. The wide driveway aprons facilitate smooth turns for larger recreational vehicles and trailers. Local bus lines via Valley Metro operate throughout the greater Salem-Roanoke network, with park-and-ride commuter connections easily accessible along nearby major thoroughfares.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open Surface Parking: Level asphalt surface with clear drive aisles and no height barriers.
Fuel & Retail Convenience: Direct on-site access to Citgo fueling dispensers and convenience mart essentials for refreshments, snacks, and travel items.
High Visibility & Lighting: Well-illuminated perimeter lighting across the forecourt and parking bays during night hours.
ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking spaces located conveniently close to retail entrances.
Oversized Vehicle Accommodation: Ample maneuvering clearance suitable for full-size pickups, work trucks, and outdoor recreation gear.

Ideal For

Interstate 81 Travelers: Drivers seeking a convenient, hassle-free stop for fuel, supplies, and short-term parking right off Exit 141.
Hikers & Outdoor Adventurers: Groups meeting up before tackling local mountain trails along Route 311 and the Catawba Valley corridor.
Salem Eventgoers: Visitors looking for quick stops or rally spots prior to athletic competitions and shows at the Salem Civic Center.
Regional Commuters: Daily drivers needing quick access between Salem, Roanoke, and surrounding county corridors.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When approaching via I-81 Exit 141, keep to the right lane on Thompson Memorial Drive for an easy, gradual turn into the property. During major morning and late-afternoon rush hours, traffic on VA-311 can become heavy, so exercise patience when turning back onto the main roadway. If planning an excursion to local hiking trailheads, remember to fuel up, check tire pressures, and pick up water and essentials on site prior to heading into the mountain gaps where amenities become sparse.