Delays expected near VA-WV line tonight 8/17
Motorists traveling northbound on Interstate 81 near the Virginia-West Virginia line may experience traffic delays this week with pavement repair scheduled in West Virginia.
The first work period will take place in the overnight tonight Aug. 17 from midnight to 6 am with minimal delays expected.
The second work period will begin at 6 pm on Wed. Aug. 17 until midday Thurs. Aug. 18 with significant delays anticipated.
Drivers entering 81 from exit 323 will come to a complete stop before entering the interstate.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will monitor traffic backups and may recommend alternate routes if necessary.
Alternate routes may include Route 37 to 522 northbound or connecting to Route 340 from Route 7 or I-66.
Monitor travel conditions 24 hours a day 365 days a year in Virginia here in West Virginia here be sure to refresh the pages each time you open them.
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Emergency bridge repairs on I-81
Emergency bridge repairs will take place on Interstate 81 at exit 247 following a hit and run bridge strike on June 6th.
Repairs will begin in Harrisonburg at 8 pm on Saturday and continue into Sunday morning.
After the incident, inspections were made which showed surface beam damage but the ramps and bridges were safe for traffic.
VDOT crews will perform barrier placement, guardrail and curb work on the Route 33 bridge over I-81.
This work will leave the acceleration lane narrowed and shortened until the bridge is replaced.
VDOT plans to award contracts to replace both Route 33 bridges later this year.
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VDOT plans sinkhole repairs in Shenandoah County
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging motorists to make plans for upcoming sinkhole repairs in Shenandoah County.
According to an email from VDOT permanent repairs to the sinkhole at mile marker 268 will begin Wednesday at 7 p.m. and may extend into Thursday June 9.
The work may temporarily shut down northbound lanes between New Market and Mount Jackson.
Timing of the work is unknown until crews begin excavation.
No detour route is planned but should traffic backups occur VDOT recommends using Route 11 at exit 257 and rejoining 81 at exit 269.
A temporary patch has been in place at the location since May 27 and has been monitored.
The work zone will begin at mile marker 266 to marker 269 starting Wednesday at 7 p.m. and remain in place until work is complete.
The exit at 264 will be closed at Route 211 in New Market due to tight turning areas for trucks trying to access Route 11 north.
Up to the minute travel information is readily available at all hours here.
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High speed chase through Frederick County
An email from Virginia State Police reports pursuit of a Chrysler on Interstate 81 from mile marker 303 to exit 302 at high rates of speed.
At one point the Chrysler slammed on its breaks causing a tractor trailer to slam into its rear.
Using the emergency crossover the Chrysler sped back onto northbound 81 and exited at the 302 location.
Speeds reached over 100 miles per hour down Reliance Road.
The Chrysler at one point crossed the double yellow line to pass several cars before losing control running off the road.
The Chrysler struck two trees which fell on the pursuing trooper’s vehicle.
A passerby assisted the trooper to remove the driver of the smoking and damaged Chrysler.
The driver of the Chrysler, Damon S. Smith of Winchester was taken to Winchester Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
The 38 year old Smith faces a number of charges including felony eluding, driving suspended and reckless driving.
Other charges include aggressive driving, operating an uninsured vehicle, expired registration and various infractions during the pursuit.
No other injuries were reported in the incident which remains under investigation.
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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.
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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.
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Interstate 81 south reopens after an 8 vehicle accident 3/9
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced in an email that Interstate 81 reopened yesterday afternoon Mar. 9 after an early morning accident.
Interstate 81 south was shut down by the accident at mile marker 198 in Rockingham County just after 6 a.m. yesterday Mar. 9.
The eight vehicle accident resulted in at least one fatality.
First responders from 13 different agencies responded.
The Interstate reopened around 4:30 yesterday Mar. 9 afternoon.
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VDOT seeks feedback for improvements
The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking feedback regarding improvements to the corridor around 522 and exit 313 from I-81.
Residents are invited to take a survey that will be open from February 21 – March 7.
They will be asked their opinions on the current situation and rate VDOT’s potential plans for the area.
VDOT is using this study to evaluate safety and operations improvements as well as accessibility and transportation demand management like the need for a park and ride.
This study is part of Project Pipeline, a new initiative from the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
To learn more or find your survey link, head to VAProjectPipeline.org.
Information regarding the Frederick County- Front Royal Pike study, can also be found on that website.
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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.
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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.
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