I-81 Auxiliary Lane Project begins near Staunton
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.
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I-81 bridge replacement begins in Warren County
The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin bridge replacement on I-81 north and southbound between mile marker 298-300.
The construction will require overnight, single-lane closures in both directions from 8 pm to 7 am Monday through Wednesday nights, July 24-26.
The schedule will allow contractors to position cranes and install concrete beams for the new southbound bridge over Route 840, Water Plant Road.
Monday night will see both directions left lanes closed, Tuesday night, just the southbound left lane will close, and Wednesday night, both directions left lanes will be closed again.
The area is just south of the I-81 junction with I-66 so please travel with additional caution through the work zones and be alert for flagger traffic control.
Funding for the improvements to the I-81 and I-66 exchange are provided by Virginia’s SMART SCALE program which is dedicated to reducing congestion and enhancing safety.
The entire project is expected to be completed by November of 2024.
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Bridge replacement leads to detours in Page County
A portion of Route 689 (Ida Road) in Page County is scheduled to be closed for the next six weeks.
VDOT crews will begin June 12th to replace the East Hawksbill Creek Bridge.
Drivers approaching the northside of the bridge will turn on to Route 611 (Farmview Road) and then left on Route 629 (Hollow Run Road) to return to Route 689 (Ida Road).
Drivers approaching the southside of the bridge will go north on Route 689, left on Route 629, and then right on Route 611 to return to Route 689.
VDOT expects to complete the project by July 20th.
All work is weather permitting.
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