VDOT schedules May 21 public hearing for Interstate 81 safety rest area ramp extensions in Augusta County

STAUNTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing concerning the extension of three ramps (merge lanes) at the Mount Sidney safety rest areas on northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Augusta County. The open house meeting will take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Weyers Cave Community Center, 682 Weyers Cave Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486.

Citizens can come in anytime during the meeting hours and discuss the project on a one-on-one basis with VDOT officials and designers. Written comments can be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to David Robinson, P.E., Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA  24401-9029. Oral comments can be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.

This project enhances safety and reduces congestion in the area of the rest areas near I-81 mile marker 232. Three ramps (merge lanes) will be extended to give vehicles enough space to speed up or slow down as needed to successfully merge with traffic.

These three ramps will be extended by about 1,200 feet:

• Deceleration lane (off-ramp) into the southbound I-81 rest area
• Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the southbound I-81 rest area
• Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the northbound I-81 rest area

As part of this project, the Route 775 (Buttermilk Road) bridge over I-81 will be replaced. The bridge was built in 1966 with three concrete piers that do not allow room for additional I-81 lanes. The new bridge will have a single pier in the median, allowing space for the ramp extensions. Part of Route 775 will be closed so the new bridge can be built in the same location, saving money and construction time.

The Mount Sidney Rest Areas project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). The $3 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects as well as operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.

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

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

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

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.