STAUNTON – Motorists should expect significant delays on southbound Interstate 81 in the Strasburg area starting at 10 p.m. Friday night, October 2, and continuing through at least late Saturday night, October 3.
During this time, southbound traffic will be limited to just the left lane. The right lane closure is for pavement work and barrier relocation in preparation for a traffic shift related to the ongoing interstate widening project.
The southbound lane closure will impact the area between the Interstate 66 off-ramp at Exit 300 and the Strasburg Exit 298. The southbound Exit 298 off-ramp to Route 11 will be closed to traffic during the weekend roadwork with a detour available at Exit 296.
As an alternate route, I-81 southbound drivers may consider using Exit 302 to access Route 11 before returning to the interstate at Exit 298. Westbound I-66 traffic merging to I-81 southbound should also consider alternate routes to avoid congestion.
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All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
The Strasburg-area widening, just south of the I-66 junction at exit 300, is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). Widening takes place toward the median. The project also 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.
Other I-81 corridor improvement projects
Other major I-81 CIP projects in the VDOT Staunton District include:
- Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (scheduled for completion in late 2027)
- Staunton-area widening (scheduled for completion in summer 2027)
- Harrisonburg-area widening (scheduled for completion in spring 2032)
- Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)
The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus 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.
VDOT customer service and information
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. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.
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.
