The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on March 30 that work will continue on the New River Bridge project at exit 105 along northbound Interstate 81, weather permitting.
The ongoing construction is important because it aims to maintain safe travel conditions and improve infrastructure in a busy corridor. The department said the overall bridge structure remains safe for traffic, but there are concerns about the portion not yet open. The unopened section has an uneven riding surface, and engineers are developing a corrective action plan.
Initial work will take place behind a barrier wall. Starting in May through September, the barrier wall will be moved and existing lanes narrowed. In the fall, traffic patterns will shift so that two lanes remain open but motorists will use a different part of the bridge’s right side.
Throughout construction, two northbound lanes on I-81 will stay open during daytime hours. Nighttime closures may occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and drivers should expect reduced speed limits of 60 miles per hour within the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 with two main interstate lanes and an additional right deceleration lane or exit ramp in its final configuration.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) oversees building, maintaining and operating roads, bridges and tunnels to support transportation across Virginia according to its official website. VDOT manages one of the largest state highway systems in the country covering tens of thousands of lane-miles statewide according to its official website. It also provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, and land-use permit oversight along state routes according to its official website.
VDOT serves as a state agency responsible for planning, constructing and maintaining roadways as well as bridges and tunnels throughout Virginia according to its official website. Its origins date back to the State Highway Commission formed in 1906 before evolving into today’s organization managing expanding transportation needs according to its official website. VDOT’s headquarters is located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official website.
