Main Street in Salem is usually packed with shoppers and lunch crowds, but lately, those crowds have been replaced by closed-road signs and heavy machinery.

Multiple law enforcement agencies continue to work together to address the reported safety concern, and the investigation remains ongoing, according to officials.

Voters in Virginia’s 9th Congressional District will choose this November between Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith, a 16-year incumbent, and Democrat Joy Powers, a political newcomer. WDBJ7 spoke with both candidates about issues facing Southwest Virginia.