INTERSTATE 81
Exit 162 Acceleration Ramp Extension, Botetourt County (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – Work continues to extend the on-ramp from Route 11 to northbound I-81 about 1,000 feet. The ramp is open. The project includes installing drainage structures and constructing a retaining wall alongside the slope. Barrier wall is installed along the right shoulder of northbound I-81 at exit 162. Additional ramp and lane closures may occur during nighttime hours. Electronic message boards will alert drivers to closures or schedule changes. Expected completion: late 2026.
• Lane closures: Nighttime right and left lane closures possible on I-81.
Exit 156 Bridge Work, Botetourt County (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – Milling and paving of the bridge deck on northbound and southbound I-81 at exit 156 is underway. Work begins on northbound lanes, then moves to southbound. Temporary traffic barriers are in place on westbound Route 640 under I-81 bridges with lanes narrowed to 11 feet.
• Lane closures: Nighttime outside and inside lane closures 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on I-81 mile markers 155–157.
• Slow roll operations and flagging may occur during barrier wall placement on Route 640. Expected completion: fall 2026.
Acceleration Ramp Extensions, Mile Marker 94 Pulaski County & Mile Marker 105 Montgomery County (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – Southbound entrance ramp at MM 94 and northbound entrance ramp at MM 105 are being extended. Work begins at MM 94, then moves to MM 105.
• Lane closures: Nighttime lane closures 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday–Thursday.
• Shoulder closures throughout work zone.
• Ramp closures: Possible.
• Ramp narrowing or shifts: Possible during nighttime hours. Expected completion: summer 2026.
Exit 89 Bridge Rehabilitation, Pulaski County (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – Bridge work at exit 89 underway. Shoulder closure in place; ramp and lane closures possible. Drivers should monitor message boards for updates.
• Ramp closures: Exit 89B on-ramp from Draper Valley Road to northbound I-81 and off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Draper Valley Road closed. Detour via Exit 94 (Pulaski) and Route 11 recommended.
Lane Widening Project, Exit 137 to Exit 141, Roanoke County & Salem (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – $179 million design-build project widening I-81 from two to three lanes in both directions between mile markers 136.6–141.8. Work includes bridge replacements, sound barrier walls, interchange lighting, and ramp improvements.
• Ramp closures: Exit 137 northbound off-ramp closed Dec. 15–19, nightly. Exit 140 southbound on/off ramps may close.
• Lane closures: Nighttime left/right lane and shoulder closures 8 p.m.–6 a.m., Sunday–Thursday; lane widths reduced to 11 feet.
• Traffic shifts: Possible on I-81 at exit 140 and on Wildwood Road.
• Flagging operations: Route 635 and Route 619.
• Uneven pavement possible.
• Work zone speed: 60 mph posted. Expected completion: early 2026.
I-81 Widening, Mile Marker 143–150 (Updated Dec. 12, 2025) – Survey and preparation work underway. Shoulder strengthening may require lane closures. Barrier walls planned.
• Traffic shift: Southbound traffic shifted to right shoulder from exit 150 to 146.
• Lane closures: Nighttime right and left lane closures 9 p.m.–6 a.m.
• Shoulder closures: In place; additional barrier walls to be installed.
• Traffic impacts: Ramps may be narrowed at exits 143, 146, 150. Flagging on Belle Haven Road. Detour signs for incidents only.