INTERSTATE 81
INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSION AT EXIT 162 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – This ramp extension project is underway and as part of the project, the on ramp from Route 11 onto northbound 81 was previously closed but is now back open. This project will extend the on ramp onto northbound I-81 about 1,000 feet. The project also includes installing drainage structures and constructing a retaining wall alongside the slope. As work progresses, additional ramp and lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours. During construction, barrier wall will be installed along the right shoulder of northbound I-81 at exit 162. Electronic message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the upcoming ramp closure and announce any schedule changes. Work is expected to be completed in late 2026.
• LANE CLOSURES: Drivers can expect nighttime right and left lane closures in place on I-81.
INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE WORK AT EXIT 156 IN BOTETOURT COUNTY – Bridge work is underway on northbound and southbound I-81 at Exit 156. Milling and paving the bridge deck will take place in both directions beginning with the northbound side first and then southbound once northbound is completed. Drivers can expect lane closures on I-81 during nighttime hours. Slow roll operations are expected periodically and flagging operations will be used during barrier wall placement on Route 640 (Brughs Mill Road). Expected completion is fall 2026.
• Temporary traffic barrier in place on westbound side of Route 640 under the I-81 bridges off exit 156 with lanes narrowed to 11 feet.
• Nighttime outside and inside lane closures may be in place on I-81 from mile marker 155 to 157, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
INTERSTATE 81 ACCELERATION RAMP EXTENSIONS AT MILE MARKER 94 IN PULASKI COUNTY AND 105 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY– Work is underway on the extension of two acceleration lanes on I-81. The first one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound at mile marker 94, the entrance ramp onto I-81 southbound. The second one will be the entrance ramp onto I-81 northbound at mile marker 105 in Montgomery County. Construction will begin at mile marker 94 location first and then once complete, work will start at mile marker 105. Scheduled completion date for both projects is summer 2026. During construction, drivers can expect:
• LANE CLOSURES: Nighttime lane closures northbound and southbound from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., the following morning, Sunday through Thursday.
• Shoulder closures throughout the work zone area.
• Ramp closures are possible.
• Narrowed or shifted ramps during nighttime hours.
INTERSTATE 81 EXIT 89 BRIDGE REHABILITATION IN PULASKI COUNTY – A bridge project is underway on I-81 at exit 89. A shoulder closure is currently in place at the bridge. Ramp closures and lane closures are possible, northbound and southbound. Drivers should watch message boards for the most up to date information as times and days may vary.
• RAMP CLOSURES: The Exit 89B on-ramp from Draper Valley Road to northbound I-81 and the Exit 89B off-ramp from northbound I-81 onto Draper Valley Road are closed. A signed detour will be in place to route traffic. Drivers can use Exit 94 (Pulaski) to get onto or to exit from northbound I-81. Motorists should use Route 11 to Draper Valley Road to reach northbound I-81 at Exit 94. Northbound I-81 traffic heading to Pulaski can use Exit 94B on to Route 99.
INTERSTATE 81 LANE WIDENING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EXIT 137 TO EXIT 141 – The $179 million design-build project to widen both directions of I-81 between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 from two to three lanes is underway. Work is being performed along a five-mile section of both northbound and southbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and the city of Salem. Barrier wall is in place along the shoulders. Two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction are expected to remain open during the project with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed. Drivers can expect the following lane closures and upcoming traffic impacts in this area on northbound and southbound I-81:
• RAMP CLOSURE AT EXIT 137: Exit 137 northbound off-ramp will be closed during nighttime hours, Monday through Friday, December 15-19. Detour will be in place.
• LANE CLOSURES: Alternating left and right lane and shoulder closures during nighttime hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, are possible. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet. Nightly lane closures may be in place along the right lane with possible nightly ramp narrows as needed for guardrail and shoulder strengthening.
• RAMP CLOSURES AT EXIT 140: Ramp closure of exit 140 on and off ramps onto southbound I-81 in Salem may be closed. Watch message boards for updates.
• FLAGGING OPERATIONS: Flagging operations possible on Route 635 and Route 619.
• UNEVEN PAVEMENT: Drivers may experience some uneven pavement and/or rough surface throughout the project.
• TRAFFIC SHIFTS AT I-81 EXIT 140: Drivers may experience periodic lane closures, narrow ramps or quick merges into traffic onto Thompson Memorial Drive from the southbound or northbound exit ramps of exit 140 off of I-81. Work zone located at bottom of the ramp for work on the I-81 bridge at the underpass.
• TRAFFIC SHIFTS ON WILDWOOD ROAD: Expect a work zone with traffic shifts and narrow width on Wildwood Road after exiting I-81 southbound on exit 137 heading towards Salem. Southbound and northbound I-81 exit and entrance ramp narrows are possible at Route 311.
• WORK ZONE SPEED: Drivers should adhere to posted 60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Narrow spacing in lanes due to barrier walls, lack of shoulders and lane shifts in various locations, are present.
The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges, installing approximately 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along northbound I-81, improving the southbound exit 137 off-ramp intersection at Wildwood Road and adding interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141. Expected completion in early 2026.
I-81 WIDENING FROM MILE MARKER 143 TO 150 – The I-81 widening project is underway with survey and preparation work. Shoulder strengthening work will require northbound and southbound lane closures during nighttime hours. Barrier wall installation is possible in late fall or early winter. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.