The Virginia Department of Transportation began the Interstate 81 Auxiliary Lane Project November 20th near Staunton.

Northbound and southbound traffic on I-81 will be lowered to 60 miles per hour between mile marker 220 and 221.5.

The work-zone speed limit will remain in place for the duration of the 18 month auxiliary lane project.

Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) south of exit 221, will close next week and remain closed until completion of construction.

During bridge construction, motorists will need to follow a 13-mile detour.

The full detour route follows:

• West of the bridge (Staunton side), drivers will go west on Route 635, south on Route 11 (Greenville Avenue/Lee-Jackson Highway), south on Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway), north on I-81, east on I-64 to exit 91 (Fishersville), south on Route 285/608, and then west on Route 635 to the end of the detour.
• East of the bridge (Fishersville side), drivers will go east on Route 635, north on Route 608/285, west on I-64, south on I-81 to exit 220 (Staunton), north on Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway), north on Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway/Greenville Avenue), and then east on Route 635 to the end of the detour.

Once completed, an auxiliary lane on 81 will help connect the I-64 junction with exit 220.

The bridge replacement provides additional space for merging and exiting traffic.

Building a new bridge also allows for future widening of I-81 and will reduce the cost and duration of the entire full project.

The contract was originally awarded to Fairfield-Echolls of Fishersville for $7.7 million in October, earlier this year and is scheduled for completion by October of 2025.