I-81 Overnight Lane Closures for Barrier Installation at Strasburg-Area Widening Project

STAUNTON – On or about the night of Sunday, May 18, contractors begin installing concrete barrier along the southbound and northbound left lanes of Interstate 81 near Strasburg between mile marker 299.6 in Warren County and 295.4 in Shenandoah County. From Sunday through Thursday nights for about two weeks, I-81 motorists can expect overnight left-lane closures in both directions, beginning on the southbound side of the interstate.

This work is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) project to add a third southbound lane in the existing median within the project limits. Over the life of the project most work will be in the median with concrete barriers separating traffic from the work area.

Recently completed shoulder strengthening along southbound I-81 allows traffic to move to the right, creating space for the concrete barriers. Following barrier installation, construction traffic may be entering and exiting the median in both the northbound and southbound lanes during daytime hours; motorists are advised to use caution.

A work-zone speed limit of 60 miles per hour is in place for the life of the project. Motorists should also be alert for construction equipment moving in and out of the work zone at various locations. All work is weather permitting.

The Strasburg-area widening, just south of the I-66 junction at exit 300, replaces a bridge over Cedar Creek, widens a bridge over the CSX railway, and builds one mile of sound-barrier wall along northbound I-81 just south of exit 296 (Route 55).

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in October 2024 awarded a $58.6 million contract to Shirley Contracting Company LLC of Lorton, Virginia. Completion is scheduled for fall 2028. Additional information is on the VDOT project page.

The $3 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along the 325 miles of I-81 in Virginia. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.

Other major I-81 CIP projects in the VDOT Staunton District include:

• Staunton-area widening (under construction)
• Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (under construction)
• Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts in 2026)
• Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)

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.

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