Traffic Alert: Southbound Interstate 81 lane closure in place for emergency bridge repairs

SALEM — The right lane of southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County near Salem at mile marker 138.4 is closed for emergency repairs to a bridge. The bridge over Goodwin Avenue, located in the work zone for the I-81 widening project, was struck by a tractor-trailer on Oct. 20 just before 10 p.m.

The contractor on the I-81 widening project is expected to begin repairs on Saturday, Oct. 21, but an exact time for reopening the right lane has not been determined. Drivers on southbound I-81 should expect delays and consider alternate routes.

Alternate Routes

Southbound I-81 traffic can consider taking exit 141 onto Route 419 and use East Main Street in Salem an alternate route. Drivers between Roanoke and Christiansburg can consider using Route 11/460 as an alternate route.

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.

For the latest traffic information in Virginia, visit www.511Virginia.org.