VDOT expects Traffic Delays this week on I-81 in Botetourt and Roanoke Counties due to lane closures, etc
UPDATED 12-2-22) * INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – A $179 million design-build project to widen both directions of I-81 between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 from two to three lanes is set to begin. Starting in February and continuing into the early summer, work will be performed on the inside and outside shoulders along a five mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. The shoulders will be built up before barrier wall can be installed for road crews to work behind. Barrier wall will be installed along the shoulders in the spring and summer. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction will remain open during the project with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed. Drivers can expect the following lane closures and upcoming impacts on northbound and southbound I-81:
· LANE CLOSURE WITH SIGNIGICANT TRAFFIC DELAYS – Tentatively scheduled to start on Monday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., a right lane closure will be in place on southbound I-81 at mile marker 138.4 in Roanoke County near Salem for major repairs to the bridge over Route 635 (Goodwin Avenue). The lane will remain closed around the clock and is expected to reopen prior to the morning commute on Thursday, Dec. 8. Drivers between Roanoke and Christiansburg will be significantly impacted during this closure. This bridge is located within the work zone for the I-81 widening project between exits 137 and 141 and was damaged when hit by a tractor-trailer. The repairs involve removing a section of damaged concrete, replacing reinforcing steel and pouring new concrete.
· WORK ZONE SPEED: With narrow spacing in lanes due to barrier walls, lack of shoulders and lane shifts in various locations, drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle.
· RAMP CLOSURES: Ramp closures are possible during nighttime hours, 12 a.m., to 5 a.m. Drivers should watch for message boards dates and times the ramp will be closed.
· LANE CLOSURES: Alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, are possible. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet.
o Northbound lane closures from I-81 mile marker 136 to 141.
o Southbound Lane closures from I-81 mile marker 141 to 136.
Nightly lane closures may be in place along the right lane with possible nightly ramp narrows as needed for guardrail and shoulder strengthening.
· Northbound I-81 lane closures from mile marker 138 to 142
· Northbound I-81 exit and entrance ramp narrows possible at Route 311.
The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges, installing approximately 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along northbound I-81, improving the southbound exit 137 off-ramp intersection at Wildwood Road and adding interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141 are also included in the project. Expected completion in early 2026.
(UPDATED 12-2-22) * I-81 TROUTVILLE REST AREA CLOSURE – The Troutville Rest Area located on southbound Interstate 81 near mile marker 158 in Botetourt County is closed until further notice. The opening scheduled before Thanksgiving has been rescheduled due to construction delays. Paving is weather dependent and will have to be completed to reopen the rest area. Signage indicating the closure is posted in the rest area. Atemporary concrete barrier wall will remain in place in front of the facility. The rest area facility, ramps and parking lot are closed to the public. This project will extend the ramp into the rest area by 500 feet and the ramp out of the rest area by 2,100 feet. It will also include expanding the truck parking area at the facility by about 10-13 spaces.
· LANE CLOSURE WITH SIGNIGICANT TRAFFIC DELAYS – Due to paving the ramps and the shoulder at the Troutville Rest Area, a 24-hour right lane closure is tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, and a 12-hour right lane closure is expected to be in place on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
–Submitted by VDOT Salem District
