Rockslide blocks 522 west of Winchester
A rockslide has blocked all northbound lanes on Route 522 west of Winchester near Hunting Ridge Road.
The four-lane highway is divided in this section so crews are setting up a detour to provide a single southbound and northbound lane through the area.
This traffic pattern will continue until the rockslide can be removed.
VDOT consulted with geologist about the safest and fastest way to remedy the situation.
Geologist content that removing the rocks from the top down would be the best solution.
This process could take as long as a month or more.
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office recommends continued caution and patience through the period until the road is cleared.
Up to date traffic alerts and information can be found at 511Virginia.org.
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VDOT lifts lane closures for holiday season
The Virginia Department of Transportation announced they would suspend most highway work and lift most lane closures on major roads in Virginia during the holidays to help with traffic flow.
Work will be suspended starting at noon on Friday, December 23 until noon on Tuesday, December 27.
Then it will be suspended again from noon on Friday, December 30 until noon on Tuesday, January 3.
HOV restrictions and rush hour tolls will be lifted for 66’s express lanes from Monday, Dec 26 through Monday, January 2nd.
While lane closures will be lifted, semi-permanent work zones will remain in place during the selected times.
VDOT’s travel-trends map and the free mobile 511 app will continue to keep motorists up to date throughout the holiday season.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT begins exit 300 improvement project
The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning to shut down the ramp between I-66 westbound and I-81 southbound overnight from November 6th to November 9th.
The ramp and lane closures will take place from 8 pm to 7 am.
During that time, the left southbound lane of I-81 will also be closed between mile marker 303 and 298.
Motorists traveling from 66 to 81 southbound will need to first follow 81 north to exit 302 in Middletown then use that interchange to enter 81 south.
This is the beginning of the exit 300 improvement project which will extend the acceleration lane and replace the bridge over Route 840.
The work zone around the area will then be 55 mph for the remainder of the project.
The project is scheduled for completion in November of 2024 and will cost over $7 million.
For additional information on the project, click here.
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VDOT ready for Hurricane Ian
The Virginia Department of Transportation has made statewide preparations for Hurricane Ian.
They anticipate the storm to bring high winds and heavy rain that could down trees and powerlines or result in debris or flooding that would make roadways hazardous.
In preparation for the storm, crews inspected and cleaned drainage structures.
During the storm, they will monitor wind speeds in critical areas like bridges and address inoperable or downed traffic signals.
Travelers should obey road closure signs, be alert for debris, watch for high winds effects on tall vehicles like tractor trailers or box trucks, and remember “turn around, don’t drown” if you see flooded roadways.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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.
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New 522 bridge scheduled to open
The new bridge over Opequon Creek on Route 522 southbound in Frederick County is scheduled to begin being used on August 30th.
Replacement of the bridge began in the Fall of 2021.
Throughout construction, motorists used temporary travel lanes to share the northbound bridge.
Only the right will open initially as contractors remove the crossover and complete the project’s final steps.
The bridge is expected to fully open both lanes in two weeks.
The project was completed by Fairfield-Echols LLC of Fishersville after being awarded the $2.2 million contract in July 2021.
For more information on the bridge, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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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Bridge construction in Broadway
The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin work to replace the Lee Street Bridge over Linville Creek in Broadway.
Traffic will be diverted to a temporary bridge north of the existing structure.
Motorists should stay aware when traveling through the area for occasional lane and shoulder closures.
The work zone will be closed to pedestrians for their safety.
The project’s anticipated completion is April 26, 2024 with Fairfield-Echols LLC of Fishersville contracted for construction.
The original structure was built in 1951.
The new bridge will be 7 feet wider and include a 6 foot wide sidewalk.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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.
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.