IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN AT I-81 EXITS IN SHENANDOAH AND FREDERICK COUNTIES

STAUNTON– Construction is under way for ramp improvements at three interchanges along Interstate 81 in Shenandoah and Frederick counties. The upgrades include extension of acceleration or deceleration lanes (on- or off-ramps) at the following exits:

Exit 291 (Toms Brook) – Acceleration lane from Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) onto northbound I-81.
Exit 296 (Strasburg) – Acceleration lane from Route 55/48 (John Marshall Highway) onto southbound I-81.
Mile Marker 304 (commercial truck weigh station) – Deceleration lane from northbound I-81 into the truck scales facility.

This week contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation began preliminary work at all three interchanges. Overnight lane or ramp closures are possible during installation and removal of concrete barriers along the right shoulders at each interchange. Digital message signs will alert drivers to specific ramp closures and detour routes as needed.

The I-81 interchange upgrades will enhance safety and traffic operations by allowing vehicles to more effectively accelerate with interstate traffic, or slow to exit at the interchange. The project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in December 2018. The $2 billion package of targeted improvements was funded by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam in spring 2019.

Additional information about the I-81 CIP is at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, timelines and details about projects that are designed to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor.

On February 25, 2021, VDOT awarded a $1,694,806.64 contract to Kickin’ Asphalt Paving and Excavating LLC of Strasburg, Virginia. The project has a contract completion date of November 10, 2021. All work is weather permitting.

Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

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Brooke Taylor