I-81 / I-64 Interchange Ramp Near Staunton Restricted to One Lane Due to Bridge Work Starting March 10

STAUNTON – Traffic using the interchange ramp from southbound Interstate 81 to eastbound I-64 at exit 221 near Staunton will be limited to a single lane for three to four months beginning Monday, March 10. The left or right lane will be closed 24/7 during that time period due to bridge work. All work is weather permitting.

Starting March 10, contractors will be widening the I-81 southbound bridge over the ramp to I-64. The work requires partial demolition followed by construction of new abutments and piers. A total of five bridges are being widened in order to accommodate a third northbound and southbound lane on I-81 between exit 221 (I-64 interchange) and exit 225 (Route 262 north). The Staunton-area widening is part of the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP).

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in March 2023 awarded a $101 million design-build contract to Kokosing Construction Company Inc. of Westerville, Ohio. Completion is scheduled for summer 2027. Additional information about the I-81 Staunton-area widening is on the VDOT project page.

The $3 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.

Other major I-81 CIP projects in the VDOT Staunton District include:

• Weyers Cave-area truck-climbing lanes (construction starts in spring 2025)
• Strasburg-area southbound widening (construction starts in spring 2025)
• Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts in 2026)
• Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)

For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and X (Twitter). Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

The VDOT Web page is located at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/.

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

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