Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced a public hearing regarding the extension of three ramps, known as merge lanes, at the Mount Sidney safety rest areas on northbound and southbound Interstate 81, Augusta County. This open house event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Weyers Cave Community Center, located at 682 Weyers Cave Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486.

The format allows citizens to attend any time during the meeting hours to engage in one-on-one discussions with VDOT officials and designers about the project. Written comments can be offered at the meeting or submitted within ten days following the meeting. Comments should be addressed to David Robinson, P.E., Project Manager, at the Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029. Additionally, oral comments can be recorded with the aid of a court reporter during the meeting.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing congestion in the vicinity of the rest areas near I-81 mile marker 232, will involve extending three ramps by approximately 1,200 feet. The planned extensions include:

- Deceleration lane (off-ramp) into the southbound I-81 rest area

- Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the southbound I-81 rest area

- Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the northbound I-81 rest area

In addition to these changes, the Route 775 (Buttermilk Road) bridge over I-81 will be replaced. Originally built in 1966, the existing bridge's three concrete piers currently obstruct additional I-81 lanes. The new bridge design will feature a single median pier to accommodate the ramp extensions. Part of Route 775 will be closed during construction to allow for this bridge reconstruction, which is intended to save both time and costs.

This project forms a part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), a $3 billion endeavor including both construction and operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia. The goal of the CIP is to bolster safety, relieve congestion, and spur regional economic growth. Additional details, including interactive maps, videos, podcasts, and upcoming project information, are available on Improve81.org.

Among the significant I-81 CIP projects underway or planned by the VDOT Staunton District are:

- Staunton-area widening (ongoing)

- Strasburg-area southbound widening (ongoing)

- Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (ongoing)

- Harrisonburg-area widening (commencing in 2026)

- Winchester-area widening (commencing in 2028)

For current traffic updates and traveler information, residents are encouraged to dial 511 or visit the website at 511virginia.org. The VDOT Customer Service Center is available around the clock at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or via its mobile website at my.vdot.virginia.gov, where agents are ready to assist with inquiries or road-related reports.

VDOT Staunton District maintains active social media presence on Facebook and X (Twitter), and VDOT statewide is represented on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube. More information is accessible through the VDOT website at vdot.virginia.gov.

The VDOT Staunton District serves the areas of Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.