CommunityNews

If you travel I-81; Exit 150 in Botetourt, you need to know about upcoming bridge work

Travel may be impeded during bridge work on I -81 at Exit 150
TRAFFIC ALERT: INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE PROJECT STARTING IN
BOTETOURT COUNTY NEAR EXIT 150 .Expect nighttime lane closures at first with long-term, weekend lane and ramp closures later 
SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation is beginning a $2 million project on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County to rehabilitate the pair
of bridges over Route 220 near exit 150. Bridge work is anticipated to
start in late April and be completed in approximately four months in late
summer.  
Starting on April 22, drivers should expect recurring nighttime lane closures on northbound or southbound I-81 at exit 150 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. In addition, nighttime lane closures may be in place beneath the bridges on northbound and southbound
Route 220.   
As work progresses in the future, six long-term lane closures will be scheduled with three on northbound I-81 and three on southbound I-81. These long-term lane closures will start on Friday or Saturday nights and continue for approximately 14 to 16 hours through the following morning.
During the extended lane closures on southbound I-81, the ramp from
southbound I-81 onto southbound Route 220 and the ramp from
northbound Route 220 onto southbound I-81 will be closed. Traffic will be able to use Route 11 and exit 146 during the ramp closures.  
Work on the pair of bridges will include removing the existing riding surface and overlaying it with a new layer of concrete. Patching on the bridges and underneath and paving the approaches is also included.
The contractor performing the work is Lanford Brothers Company Inc. from Roanoke. 
Submitted by VDOT, Salem Office. file photo Cathy Benson