The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin the final phase of bridge deck rehabilitation on Interstate 81 southbound over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The work is scheduled to start on Sunday night, May 11, and will continue through Tuesday evening, May 13. This location is just south of exit 269 near Shenandoah Caverns, north of New Market in Shenandoah County.
The project involves continuous single lane closures for approximately 72 hours, with work occurring around-the-clock during both nighttime and daytime hours. Weather conditions may affect the schedule. Trucks carrying wide loads are advised to find alternate routes due to restrictions within the work zone.
Virginia State Police will be present in the area, with additional traffic management support provided by law enforcement from the Town of New Market.
The left lane closure on southbound I-81 at mile marker 269 will commence at 5 p.m. on Sunday and is expected to last until Tuesday night. Depending on progress and temperatures, this closure might extend into Wednesday morning.
VDOT emphasizes that concrete work must be conducted within a specific temperature range to ensure repair quality and durability. The extended working hours aim to take advantage of optimal temperatures while minimizing disruption before holiday and summer vacation traffic increases.
Work on the bridge’s right lane was completed before noon on Tuesday, May 6, after beginning on Sunday evening, May 4. Motorists should expect a difference in lane height between the newly completed right lane and the still-to-be-completed left lane until VDOT finishes surveying deck elevations and places a smooth concrete surface.
Post-May 20, construction will shift exclusively to warmer nighttime hours to avoid further daytime disruptions. Plans for similar work on the northbound bridge are forthcoming.
Both I-81 bridges over the North Fork have undergone temporary deck patching in recent years. However, these measures are insufficient for sustaining permanent interstate traffic levels as they approach their service life end. Funding for permanent rehabilitation became available in spring 2025, enabling this critical work that aims to extend bridge service life and prevent more disruptive repairs.
The Staunton District oversees approximately 2,400 major structures including bridges and box culverts as well as about 942.26 lane-miles of I-81.
Updates regarding this project can be found in VDOT’s news section online or via social media channels like Staunton X account or Facebook page. For real-time traffic alerts or traveler information dial 511 or visit their website.
VDOT’s Customer Service Center offers assistance for reporting road hazards or inquiries related to Virginia roads at any time via phone or its mobile-friendly site.
