VDOT begins road work tonight 8/30 at state line
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced in an email that work on Interstate 81 will begin tonight Aug. 30.
The work will be right at the Virginia State line going into West Virginia starting at 6 p.m. and lasting into tomorrow morning Aug. 31.
Work will then resume Wed. night Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. and last into Thur. morning Sept. 1.
VDOT will be monitoring traffic flow and use signage to redirect traffic if needed.
You can always monitor traffic at all times at 511virginia.org for Virginia or in West Virginia use wv511.org.
Meanwhile motorist in Frederick County can begin using the newly constructed bridge over Opequon Creek today Aug. 30 on Route 522 South.
Work on the bridge began last fall and should be totally complete within mid Sept. for southbound travel weather permitting.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Sinkhole in Shenandoah County
A sinkhole caused a nearly 4 mile long back up in Shenandoah County yesterday for motorists traveling northbound on Interstate 81.
The sinkhole appeared at mile marker 268 and shut down the left lane.
VDOT applied a temporary patch so be on the lookout for further repairs in the future.
For more traffic updates, visit 511virginia.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VSP investigates fatal crash in Rockingham County
Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Rockingham County on Thursday afternoon.
The crash was located along Interstate 81 at exit 245.
A Honda Accord ran into the back of a tractor trailer that had exited and stopped on the ramp.
The driver of the Honda, Selvin Turcios- Romero, 27, of Harrisonburg died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT schedules a public hearing in Strasburg today 4/20
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) confirms a public hearing is scheduled today Apr. 20 in Strasburg in an email.
The public hearing concerns improvements to Interstate 81.
This will involve improvements to the portion of 81 at the Shenandoah Warren County line near Strasburg.
The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Strasburg High School at 250 Ram Drive.
The public is invited to the open forum to discuss projected improvements with VDOT officials and designers.
Written comments will be accepted at the meeting or 10 days after the meeting by mail addressed to Pamela Bowman 811 Commerce Rd. Staunton VA. 24401.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT continues snow removal
VDOT crews continue the snow removal process from the wintery mix from Friday afternoon and into the evening.
Drivers should be aware of changing road conditions due to low temperatures and high wind gusts.
As of Saturday, Interstate 66 and 81 have clear to minor conditions throughout most of the area.
Moderate to minor road conditions are reported on primary and secondary roads through the Valley.
For more information on road conditions, head to 511Virginia.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Jessica Cowardin of DMV on making 81 safer
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VDMV) installed new technology to make Interstate 81 safer.
We spoke with VDMV representative Jessica Cowardin about the technology in our latest news maker.
The good news is brought to you by The Town of Front Royal.
Jessica explains how the technology works.
She also tells us about how a device has been installed at the Interstate 81 weigh station.
Jessica tells us that the device has already found over 13,000 unsafe tires since it’s installation.
She also explains that the technology will be used in other parts of the state.
Click here for Jessica’s interview.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Improvements completed on I-81
Improvements were completed at three interchanges along Interstate 81 in Shenandoah and Frederick counties.
The acceleration lanes on to the interstate at Exit 291 in Toms Brook and 296 in Strasburg were extended.
The deceleration lane into the commercial truck weigh station at mile marker 304 was also extended.
Kickin Asphalt completed these projects after earning the contract of over $1.6 million.
These safety upgrades are a part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program.
The $2 billion project was signed into law in spring of 2019.
For more information on the I-81 CIP like interactive maps and timelines, head to Improve81.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VSP investigate a fatal crash with Shenandoah County victim
Virginia State Police continue the investigation of a two vehicle fatal accident in Rockingham County.
A Jeep left Interstate 81 colliding with a sign, embankment and another vehicle heading in the other direction.
The driver of the Jeep 52 year old Michael Gullatte of New Market succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.
The driver of the other vehicle an unidentified male from Timberville was transported to UVA Medical center.
Two juveniles in the Jeep were also transported to the hospital.
Those in the hospital are currently under observation.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT begins Interstate 81 improvements
Construction has begun on three interchanges along Interstate 81 in Shenandoah and Frederick Counties.
The upgrades include extension of acceleration or deceleration lanes at Toms Brook, Strasburg and at the scales on 81.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) warns of overnight lane or ramp closures to be aware of.
Motorist should watch for digital signage for detour routes where needed.
The projects are part of the $2 billion I-81 Corridor Improvement Program.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.