The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced on March 13 a list of scheduled maintenance and construction projects that may affect traffic in the Staunton District from March 16 to March 20, 2026. The district covers eleven counties in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands.
These updates are important for drivers as they highlight potential lane closures, detours, and changes in traffic patterns due to ongoing work. VDOT advises motorists to use caution when traveling through work zones and to be alert for any changes.
The planned activities include tree removal, bridge inspections, sign installations, utility work, pavement patching, and intersection improvements across primary and secondary roads. Notable projects involve continuous single-lane closures on Interstate 64 for bridge maintenance in Alleghany County, temporary signals for bridge replacement on Route 220 in Highland County, full northbound closure on Interstate 81 between mile markers 220 and 226 in Augusta County for widening preparations, and overnight lane closures related to truck-climbing lanes construction near Rockingham County. Several routes will also see flagger-controlled traffic or pilot truck operations during daylight or overnight hours.
According to the official website, the purpose of Virginia Department of Transportation centers on building, maintaining and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges and tunnels to support a safe and efficient transportation system. The agency manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems with tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia according to the official website. VDOT also provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, and oversight of land-use permits along state routes according to the official website.
VDOT serves as a state agency overseeing planning, construction and maintenance of roadways throughout Virginia according to the official website. The department has evolved since its beginnings as the State Highway Commission in 1906 into its current form managing an expanding transportation infrastructure according to the official website. Its headquarters is located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to the official website.
For real-time travel information or updates about these projects, drivers can dial 511 or visit the Virginia 511 website or mobile app. The VDOT Customer Service Center operates around-the-clock for reporting hazards or making service requests.
