Controlled Blasting to Begin Near Strasburg for I-81 Widening Project

Drivers on Interstate 81 near Strasburg should expect brief travel delays beginning the week of October 27–31, as controlled blasting operations begin as part of a major highway improvement project. The work is focused near mile marker 297, just south of the I-66 interchange, and is part of the multi-year effort to widen I-81 in Shenandoah County.

The blasting will occur once or twice a week, typically between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This schedule will continue through early December, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

To ensure safety during the blasting, Virginia State Police will conduct “slow roll” traffic operations, temporarily slowing or stopping vehicles in both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-81 between Exit 296 (Route 55) and Exit 298 (Route 11).

A slow roll is a traffic control method that reduces vehicle speeds—sometimes as low as 10 mph—to create a gap in traffic. This allows construction work to proceed safely without live traffic on the road. These operations generally last no more than 15 minutes. In addition to the interstate delays, flaggers will briefly stop traffic on Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) near the I-81 interchange during blasting.

No blasting will take place on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4), Veterans Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11), or during the week of Thanksgiving, ensuring minimal disruption during these important dates.

Part of the Larger I-81 Improvement Project

The blasting is part of a $58.6 million widening project aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety on I-81. The work includes:

• Adding a third southbound lane for about four miles
• Replacing the bridge over Cedar Creek
• Widening the bridge over the CSX railroad
• Constructing one mile of sound-barrier wall along northbound I-81 just south of Exit 296

The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded the contract in October 2024 to Shirley Contracting Company LLC of Lorton, Virginia. Project completion is expected in fall 2028.

This section of work is part of the broader $4 billion Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which includes 65 construction projects and operational upgrades along the 325-mile stretch of I-81 in Virginia. The CIP aims to address long-standing safety concerns, bottlenecks, and challenges with truck traffic.

Other Major Projects in the Region

VDOT’s Staunton District, which oversees the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas, is currently managing or planning several major I-81 projects, including:

• Staunton-area widening (under construction)
• Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (under construction)
• Harrisonburg-area widening (begins 2026)
• Winchester-area widening (scheduled for 2028)

Residents can stay updated on all I-81 projects at Improve81.org. The website offers an interactive project map, videos, newsletters, and real-time traffic updates.

For up-to-date travel information, visit 511Virginia.org, use the 511 mobile app, or dial 511.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center operates 24/7 at 800-367-7623 to help drivers report hazards, request services, or ask transportation-related questions.