INTERSTATE 81 I-81 SLOW ROLLS FOR UTILITY WORK IN ROANOKE COUNTY – AEP will be using a slow roll operation during nighttime hours on I-81 for an aerial crossing between mile marker 130.9 and 133.9 in Roanoke County, January 31 to February 1, 2026, from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Delays are possible.
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 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.