STAUNTON – Construction starts in early November to enhance safety and reduce congestion on Route 50/17/522 – Millwood Pike in Frederick County and Millwood Avenue in the City of Winchester. Work is scheduled to take place over a three-year period between the intersections with Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) and Apple Blossom Drive.
A major component of this project is replacement of the seven-lane Millwood Pike bridge over Interstate 81 at Exit 313. The current bridge dates back to 1964 and is near the end of its service life. A new nine-lane bridge will be built just north of the current one in order to minimize traffic impacts during construction. Part of Millwood Pike will be realigned to tie into the new bridge.
Additional improvements
Additional improvements along this stretch of Millwood Pike/Avenue include:
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- An eastbound auxiliary lane between Apple Blossom Drive and the I-81 southbound entrance ramp.
- Two left-turn lanes from westbound Millwood Avenue onto Apple Blossom Drive.
- A reconstructed intersection with Mall Boulevard to remove the median crossover and traffic signal. This will reduce traffic delays on Millwood by allowing only right turns to and from Mall Boulevard.
- A shared-use path along the north side of the roadway for the entire length of the project.
- A new signalized pedestrian crossing between the Shenandoah University main campus and the South Campus Commons. During construction, pedestrian crosswalks may be temporarily relocated to avoid active work zones.
During initial construction motorists should expect shoulder closures and single-lane closures on Millwood and I-81, mostly during nighttime and overnight hours. Daytime lane closures may occasionally be needed on Millwood to move materials and equipment, and during final transition to the new bridge.
The city of Winchester is replacing a box culvert under Millwood Avenue at Abrams Creek, and anticipates completion in early 2027. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working closely with contractors and the city to ensure the success of all projects along Millwood Avenue.
In September 2026, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $36 million construction contract to Branch Civil, Inc. of Roanoke, Va., for the Route 50/17/522 improvements. Completion is scheduled for late 2029. Additional information is on the VDOT website.
All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
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.
