I-81 Detour Signs Installed in Staunton Area

Permanent Signs Guide Motorists During Major Interstate Incidents and Closures

Moderate traffic on a two-lane rural road on a sunny summer day. At the right is a green square sign with white lettering that reads, Emergency Route A
I-81 detour trailblazing sign along Route 262 southbound

STAUNTON – Detour trailblazing signs have been installed on Interstate 81, westbound I-64 and Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) in the Staunton area. As part of a research study being led by the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the signs are intended to help guide motorists during traffic incidents on I-81, when there is a directional closure and traffic must detour. The signs may also be used for planned I-81 work requiring an overnight temporary interstate closure and detour during critical work zone operations.

The green-and-white signs read “Emergency Route A” or “Emergency Route C.” Digital message boards along I-81 or westbound I-64 would alert motorists of a closure on I-81 and advise them whether to follow Route A (for a southbound closure) or Route C (for a northbound closure). The emergency routes will direct traffic onto and around Route 262, the Staunton-area bypass, between I-81 exit 220 and exit 225.

The I-81 trailblazing signs are part of a VTRC/VDOT study to determine efficiencies of using permanently installed emergency routing signs for traffic management. The study will evaluate traffic incident data as well as traffic volumes and speeds before and after installation of the signs.

For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and X (Twitter). Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

The VDOT Web page is located at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

Last updated: June 9, 2025

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