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.
VDOT observes National Work Zone Awareness Week
An email from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) brings attention to Work Zone Awareness Week.
April 11 through the 15 is National Work Zone Awareness Week and VDOT recognizes state employees and contractors who risk their lives to keep Virginia moving.
The number of work zone fatalities has grown significantly from 11 in 2020 to 28 in 2021.
Nationwide 85 percent of those killed in work zone accidents were motorist or passengers and not workers.
This year’s theme for National Work Zone Awareness Week is Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.
The theme draws attention to a driver’s responsibility to reduce speed and pay attention to make work zones safe for everyone.
There is awareness materials available at virginiadot.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Intermittent closures for Route 522
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will start intermittent closures of Route 522 South throughout the day on Monday.
Contractors will be unloading steel girders at Opequon Creek Bridge.
The work will shut down 522 for approximately 15 minutes each time.
The stoppages will be between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
Motorists may consider taking alternate routes between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT plans hearing for I-81 improvements
The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding a public hearing on their plans to widen I-81 near Strasburg.
The hearing is on April 20th from 4:30 to 7 pm at Strasburg High School.
Written comments can be submitted up to 10 days later to Project Manager, Pamela Bowman.
This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program and plans to build an additional southbound lane from mile marker 295 to 299.
This will connect with the acceleration merging traffic from 66 west to 81 south.
Other improvements planned for that area include multiple bridge renovations or replacements.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT responds to winter weather
VDOT’s crews are working to keep roadways clear through the snowstorm.
Snowfall and strong winds will affect visibility.
Below freezing temperatures will create icey patches that may last throughout the weekend.
Wind and ice accumulation may result in branches or trees falling into roadways.
Crews will be ready in impacted areas to start plowing if needed and spreading sand and salt to increase traction.
If possible, avoid traveling until precipitation stops but if you must travel, check 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before you leave.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Brad Reed of VDOT on public input
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is requesting the public’s input on several projects.
We spoke with VDOT’s District Planner Brad Reed about those surveys in our latest news maker segment.
The good news is brought to you by The Town of Front Royal.
Brad tells us about the surveys and how we can submit our input.
He also tells us about some innovative projects that will help with congestion in the future.
These are really very good ideas for easing congestion and accidents in the City of Winchester.
A link for the surveys is found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDOT prepares for winter weather
VDOT began treating roads on Friday for the snowfall expected to begin tonight and into Sunday morning.
VDOT’s crews as well as contractors are ready to plow and continue treatment as soon as the snow begins.
Interstates and primary roads will be treated first then secondary roads and subdivisions.
Residents should avoid traveling during the snowfall if possible.
Check 511Virginia.org or the 511 app for roadway updates.
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.