Barton A. Thrasher P.E. Chief Engineer | Virginia Department of Transportation
Barton A. Thrasher P.E. Chief Engineer | Virginia Department of Transportation
Northbound and southbound drivers on Interstate 81 should prepare for overnight lane closures in Augusta and Rockingham counties starting around Monday night, March 17. These closures will occur at various locations near Weyers Cave, between mile markers 234.1 and 237.9, as part of the early stages of constructing truck-climbing lanes. Upon completion, I-81 will feature three lanes in each direction by widening to the median, enabling trucks to utilize the two right-most lanes.
The lane closures are scheduled to take place from Monday through Friday nights between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., following this timeline:
For approximately three months beginning mid-March, right lane closures will facilitate shoulder strengthening work along both northbound and southbound right shoulders. In summer 2025, left lane closures lasting about six weeks will be necessary for installing concrete barriers along the median. VDOT will provide further details when these operations commence.
A work-zone speed limit of 60 miles per hour will be enforced throughout the construction period. Motorists should remain vigilant for construction equipment moving within the work zone at different sites. All work is subject to weather conditions.
The truck-climbing lanes are part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), constructed in an area with steep terrain in both directions. They aim to allow slower-moving commercial vehicles to shift rightward, minimizing conflicts with motorists in primary travel lanes. The project also involves widening two bridges and enhancing the interchange of I-81 and Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) at exit 235 by lengthening deceleration lanes (off-ramps) northbound and southbound, as well as a northbound acceleration lane (on-ramp).
In December 2024, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $61.4 million contract to Branch Civil Inc., based in Roanoke, with completion anticipated by late 2027. More information is available on the VDOT project page.
The $3 billion CIP encompasses 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia aimed at enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and promoting regional economic growth. Further details can be found at Improve81.org which features interactive maps, videos, podcasts, and specifics about upcoming and ongoing projects.
Other significant I-81 CIP projects within the VDOT Staunton District include:
Staunton-area widening (under construction)
Strasburg-area southbound widening (under construction)
Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts early 2026)
Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)
For updated traffic alerts and traveler information dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/.
VDOT Customer Service Center offers assistance with reporting road hazards or inquiries related to Virginia’s roads via phone at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or through its mobile-friendly website https://my.vdot.virginia.gov available round-the-clock.
Follow VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X (Twitter). Statewide accounts are accessible on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.
VDOT's webpage is located at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/.
The VDOT Staunton District covers Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany,and Bath counties.
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