Traffic alert: Interstate 81 shoulder closures in Roanoke and Botetourt counties as part of widening project

SALEM — As part of the ongoing project to widen Interstate 81 between exits 143 in Roanoke County and exit 150 in Botetourt County, barrier wall will continue to be installed on the shoulder in some locations. During the winter months, drivers can expect some shoulder closures in place with additional barrier wall to be installed next year.  

The initial work on this project started in summer 2025 and has involved nighttime lane closures, while crews have been strengthening and widening shoulders in the construction area on the outer edge of lanes. This is in preparation for barrier wall installation and traffic to shift to the right shoulder for work to begin in the median. In November, southbound traffic was shifted to the right shoulder from exit 150 in Botetourt County to exit 146 in Roanoke County. Nighttime lane closures may continue through the winter months.

Prior to construction activities ramping up next year in spring and summer 2026, the Virginia Department of Transportation in conjunction with design-build contractor Branch Civil Inc. will hold a public information meeting in January at Lord Botetourt High School to discuss construction impacts and traffic management for upcoming roadwork on Interstate 81 in Roanoke and Botetourt counties.

The widening project between exits 143 and 150 also includes replacing eight bridges on I-81 and installing more than 8,500 feet of sound barrier along the northbound lanes. Two ramps at exit 150 will be realigned and one will be removed. The improvements are intended to reduce crashes, lessen delays and enhance crash response times.

This widening project is part of the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth. The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $361 million design-build contract for this project in July 2024. Construction started in summer 2025 and is expected to finish in summer 2031.

The I-81 CIP includes 65 capital projects and numerous operational improvements throughout the interstate's 325-mile corridor in Virginia. The nearly $4 billion program was signed into law in spring 2019. More information is available at Improve81.org.