Traffic Alert: Southbound Interstate 81 emergency bridge repairs to close right lane near Salem

UPDATED as of 12 p.m. on 8/2/24

SALEM – On Friday, Aug. 2, at 8 a.m., the right lane of southbound Interstate 81 at mile maker 138.4 in Roanoke County near Salem is closed for emergency bridge repairs. The lane is expected to remain closed for approximately 48 hours and reopen sometime on Sunday, Aug. 4.

The damaged bridge is over Route 635 (Goodwin Avenue) and is located within the work zone for the I-81 widening project between exits 137 and 141. The bridge was damaged during the overnight hours when it was struck by a tractor-trailer.

Drivers between Roanoke and Christiansburg can use Route 11/460 as an alternate route during the lane closure. Southbound I-81 traffic can consider detouring at exit 141.

A vehicle width restriction of 14 feet will be in effect during the repairs.

Due to the lane closure, three exit ramps are closed.  At exit 140, the ramp onto southbound I-81 and the off-ramp from southbound I-81 are closed.  At exit 141, the on-ramp onto southbound I-81 is also closed.

Travelers on southbound I-81, north of Lexington, who are headed to destinations south of Roanoke can consider rerouting to use Interstate 64 west to Interstate 77 south.

To get an update on the lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org.