Upgrades to I-81 Exit 240 and Route 257 in Rockingham County in advance of travel center opening

STAUNTON – Numerous roadway and intersection improvements will help handle increased traffic beginning June 30, 2025, when a new travel center opens in Rockingham County. The location is next to the Interstate 81 exit 240 interchange with Route 257/682 (Friedens Church Road) near Mount Crawford.

The following modifications, funded by the business through an agreement with the county, will be in place by June 30:

• A dedicated lane from the northbound I-81 exit 240 off-ramp onto Buc-ee’s Boulevard. This “slip lane” will allow northbound interstate traffic to reach the travel center without stopping at a traffic signal.
• A second merge lane from westbound Friedens Church Road onto northbound I-81. This is a slip lane that will not stop at a traffic signal.
• A second left-turn lane from Friedens Church Road onto the ramp to southbound I-81.
• A second left-turn lane from the southbound I-81 exit ramp onto Friedens Church Road.
• New turn lanes from eastbound and westbound Friedens Church Road onto Buc-ee’s Boulevard.
• Dual left-turn lanes from Buc-ee’s Boulevard onto Friedens Church Road.

There will also be upgrades in equipment and timing for the three traffic signals along Friedens Church Road at the intersections with southbound I-81, northbound I-81 and Route 950 (Walton Way/Buc-ee’s Boulevard).

Motorists may still experience congestion and traffic delays around the interchange. Law enforcement will assist with traffic control in this area through the July Fourth holiday weekend.

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.

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The VDOT website 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.