VDOT to close southbound Interstate 81 left lane near Edinburg for sinkhole repairs

STAUNTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation will repair a small sinkhole in the Interstate 81 median and left shoulder near mile marker 278.3, southbound in Shenandoah County.  This location is just south of exit 279 at Route 185 in the Edinburg area.

Repairs are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. When the repairs begin, the southbound left lane will be closed in the area of exit 279 and mile marker 278. The southbound left lane is anticipated to remain closed until the sinkhole repairs are complete. Repairs are anticipated to be complete by 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Depending on the size, shape and location of the sinkhole, ongoing lane closures may be needed. 

The sinkhole was discovered during routine maintenance work. VDOT crews have been monitoring the hole until repairs could be made.

Sinkhole repairs include excavating the hole to determine its size and the stability of the surrounding ground before back-filling it and repairing the surrounding roadway

All work is weather permitting.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.

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.

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