The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will conduct crucial bridge deck rehabilitation work on the southbound bridge over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. This work will take place just south of exit 269 near Shenandoah Caverns, north of New Market in Shenandoah County.
Single lane closures are scheduled for roughly 72 continuous hours, beginning on Sunday nights and extending to Tuesday evenings. The closures will occur around the clock, including both nighttime and daytime hours, subject to weather conditions. Virginia State Police will be present, and the Town of New Market will provide law enforcement for traffic management.
On southbound I-81, the right lane will be closed from Sunday, May 4, at 5 p.m. to Tuesday night, while the left lane will be closed from Sunday, May 11, at 5 p.m. to Tuesday night. Depending on progress and weather conditions, lane closures could extend into Wednesday morning.
The concrete work on the bridge requires specific temperature conditions to ensure the quality and durability of the repairs. The extended working hours are designed to capitalize on optimal temperatures and maximize repair progress before holiday and summer vacation traffic increases. After May 20, work will continue only during nighttime hours to avoid further daytime lane closures.
Plans are underway for repairs to the northbound bridge. Work hours and related traffic restrictions will be announced in the coming weeks. The bridges over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River have undergone temporary deck patching, which is nearing the end of its service life and cannot sustain permanent interstate traffic levels. Funding for comprehensive rehabilitation became available in spring 2025. This work is essential to extend the bridge’s service life and prevent more disruptive repairs.
The Staunton District manages approximately 2,400 major structures, including bridges and box culverts, and oversees around 942.26 lane-miles of I-81.
For updates, visit the news section on the VDOT website or their Staunton X and Facebook pages. Traffic alerts and traveler information can also be accessed by dialing 511 or visiting the VDOT website. VDOT’s Customer Service Center is available 24/7 for reporting road hazards and inquiries at 800-FOR-ROAD.
The VDOT Staunton District covers several counties, including Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, and others.
