The new Route 635 bridge over Interstate 81 in Augusta County is set to open to traffic around 2 p.m. on Friday, June 6. The section of Route 635 just south of Staunton has been closed since November 2023 for the removal and replacement of the old overpass bridge.
The design of the new bridge accommodates a future southbound I-81 auxiliary lane between exit 221 (I-64 interchange) and exit 220 (Route 262 south). This auxiliary lane is expected to open by late summer 2025, aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion where I-64 and I-81 merge. All construction work is subject to weather conditions, and schedules may change accordingly.
Until the completion of the auxiliary lane project, a work-zone speed limit of 60 miles per hour remains enforced on both northbound and southbound I-81 between mile markers 220 and 221.5.
In October 2023, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $7.7 million construction contract to Fairfield-Echols LLC from Fishersville, Virginia. The project’s contract completion date is set for October 2025. More information can be found on the VDOT project page.
This initiative is part of a $3 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that includes 65 construction projects along with operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia, designed to enhance safety, alleviate congestion, and promote economic growth in the region. Additional details are available at Improve81.org, which features interactive maps, videos, podcasts, and information about ongoing and upcoming projects.
Other significant CIP projects within the VDOT Staunton District include:
– Staunton-area widening (under construction)
– Weyers Cave-area truck-climbing lanes (under construction)
– Strasburg-area southbound widening (under construction)
– Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts in 2026)
– Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)
For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, individuals can dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/.
The VDOT Customer Service Center offers assistance with reporting road hazards or inquiries related to Virginia’s roads through its hotline at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or its mobile-friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available around-the-clock.
The VDOT Staunton District maintains a presence on Facebook and X (Twitter), while statewide updates are available on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.
More information about VDOT can be accessed at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/. The VDOT Staunton District serves several counties including Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath.
