Sinkhole Repairs Scheduled Along I-81 Northbound in Augusta County

STAUNTON – Sinkhole repairs will take place near the Interstate 81 northbound acceleration lane (on-ramp) at exit 235 (Weyers Cave/Grottoes) in Augusta County. The sinkhole is to the right of the northbound lanes, about 15 feet off the acceleration lane edge of pavement.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will perform the repairs beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28. All work is weather permitting.

VDOT anticipates that the work will require only a right shoulder closure. Depending on the size, shape and location of the sinkhole, a temporary closure of the exit 235 on-ramp to northbound I-81 is possible. VDOT will provide traffic updates as needed.

VDOT has been monitoring the sinkhole for several months. Initial measurements show it is about five feet across and eight feet deep. Sinkhole repairs include excavating the hole to determine its size and the stability of the surrounding ground before back-filling it and making any needed roadway repairs.

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

Obtain traffic alerts and traveler information by dialing 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org. For other assistance, call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR- ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and Twitter. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. The VDOT Web page is at https://vdot.virginia.gov/.

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