I-81 Southbound Lane Closures Start March 10 for Strasburg-Area Widening Project

Overnight single-lane closures are scheduled for southbound Interstate 81 near Strasburg beginning Monday, March 10. The traffic restrictions are needed for early stages of construction on a third southbound lane between mile marker 299.6 in Warren County and 295.4 in Shenandoah County. All work is weather-permitting.

For about the first two months of the project, I-81 southbound motorists should expect overnight lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., generally Sunday to Thursday nights. Details are as follows:

• During the week of March 10-14, alternating lane closures allow guardrail work at various locations within the four-mile work zone.
• For about three weeks starting on or about March 17, right-lane closures allow shoulder-strengthening work.
• Starting in early to mid-April, left lane closures allow installation of concrete barrier along the median.

A work-zone speed limit of 60 miles an hour will be implemented at the start of barrier installation and will remain in place for the rest of the widening project. I-81 northbound and southbound motorists should also be alert for construction equipment entering and exiting the work zone.

The Strasburg-area widening, just south of the I-66 junction at exit 300, is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). Widening takes place toward the median. The project also replaces a bridge over Cedar Creek, widens a bridge over the CSX railway, and builds one mile of sound-barrier wall along northbound I-81 just south of exit 296 (Route 55).

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in October 2024 awarded a $58.6 million contract to Shirley Contracting Company LLC of Lorton, Virginia. Completion is scheduled for fall 2028. Additional information 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:
• Staunton-area widening (under construction)
• Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (construction starts in March 2025)
• Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts in early 2026)
• Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)

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