Southbound I-81 closed March 21-22 at Woodstock for overpass bridge repairs

STAUNTON — Motorists should expect major delays on southbound Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County during the weekend of March 21-22, 2026, due to overpass bridge repairs in the Woodstock area. Southbound I-81 is scheduled to be closed from 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, through about 9 a.m. Sunday, March 22.

During the closure, motorists should prepare for major delays in the area. Traffic impacts are expected on I-81, Route 11 and other roadways not only in northern Shenandoah County, but also in Frederick, Warren and Page counties.

Contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation will be repairing the Route 604 (North Street) bridge over I-81 near mile marker 285. A dump truck with a raised bed struck the bridge in September, causing extensive damage to a structural beam. The I-81 southbound closure on March 21-22 is needed so crews can cut through the bridge deck and railing, remove the damaged beam and place the new beam.

During the March 21-22 work, the following closures and detours will be in place:

• I-81 southbound traffic will detour at exit 291 (Toms Brook) and go east on Route 651 (Mount Olive Road), south on Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for about eight miles, and then west on Route 42 (Reservoir Road) back to I-81 at Exit 283 (Woodstock).
• The I-81 northbound exit 291 off-ramp to Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) will be closed.
• In the town of Woodstock, the westbound Route 42 left lane from Route 11 (South Main Street) to Ox Road will be closed. The left turn lane from northbound Route 11 onto Route 42 will also be closed.

On Feb. 13, Route 604 was closed to through traffic between Summit Avenue in the town of Woodstock and Route 676 (Fravel Road). Signs direct motorists to use nearby Spring Street as a detour route. That closure is expected to last until April 30.

All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Call 800-367-7623 or use its mobile friendly website.

Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

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

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