Continuous single-lane closures are scheduled for northbound Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County over two consecutive weeks beginning September 8, 2025. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that these closures will allow for critical rehabilitation work on the concrete bridge deck over the North Fork Shenandoah River, just before exit 269 (Shenandoah Caverns/Mount Jackson).
The right lane of northbound I-81 will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, September 8, through Wednesday night, September 10. During this period, the exit 269 off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Route 730 (Caverns Road) will also be closed. The following week, the left lane of northbound I-81 will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday, September 15, through Wednesday night, September 17.
During both sets of lane closures, the exit 264 off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Route 211 at New Market will not be accessible to any traffic. Motorists traveling northbound who need to reach New Market are advised to use exit 257 and follow Route 11 north for about six miles.
Depending on weather conditions and work progress, VDOT noted that lane closures may extend into early Thursday morning each week.
Vehicles wider than 12 feet will not be permitted in the work zone during these periods. Wide-load vehicles should detour at exit 257 (Mauzy/Broadway/Timberville), turn right onto Route 11 north for approximately eleven miles, then turn left onto Route 730 to return to I-81 at exit 269. Virginia State Police will assist with traffic control and enforce vehicle-width restrictions.
“Similar concrete deck rehabilitation took place in May at the adjacent southbound I-81 bridge. Once the work begins, it must be performed continuously to ensure quality and durability. Executing this critical rehabilitation now will extend bridge life and avoid more extensive and disruptive repairs.”
Both bridges over the North Fork Shenandoah River have undergone repeated temporary patching in recent years as their decks approached the end of service life. Permanent funding for rehabilitation became available in spring of this year.
Updates on project progress can be found on VDOT’s website news page as well as its Staunton District X account and Facebook Group page.
For real-time traffic alerts or traveler information related to these closures or other road conditions statewide, motorists can dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/. The VDOT Customer Service Center is available around-the-clock by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visiting https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/.
The VDOT Staunton District serves several counties including Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath.
