Update: 41 vehicles in I-81 crashes in Rockbridge

A crash involving 41 vehicles including six tractor-trailers closed both southbound lanes of Intestate 81 at mile marker 196 in Rockbridge County Sunday evening.  This location is between exit 200 at Route 710 in the Fairfield area and exit 195 at Route 11 in the Lexington and Timber Ridge area.

Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton Traffic Operation Center operators reported the incident shortly after5 p.m.  TOC operators indicate it will be several hours before a lane is opened up.  Motorists should expect significant delays in this area.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.  Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.  For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.  Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. The Staunton District Twitter feed is at@VaDOTStaunton. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located atwww.VirginiaDOT.org.