Update: Monday, 7:21 p.m. VDOT reopened all lanes of I-81 at 6:45 p.m. Monday. Motorists should expect traffic congestion on nearby roadways as detours have been lifted.
Motorists using I-81 and Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) may experience lingering congestion through the evening in southern Augusta County and northern Rockbridge County.
First report: Monday, 11:41 a.m. All northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 81 in Augusta County were closed near mile marker 210.7 after a tractor trailer crash at 10 a.m. this morning.
I-81 is expected to remain closed through the afternoon hours today for hazmat and crash cleanup operations.
Interstate traffic is being detoured as follow:
Northbound I-81 traffic detours at exit 205 (Raphine/Steeles Tavern) near the Augusta-Rockbridge county line. Northbound drivers will follow Route 606 (Raphine Road) east and then Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) north to rejoin the interstate at exit 213.
Southbound I-81 traffic detours at exit 213 (Greenville/Stuarts Draft). Southbound drivers will follow Route 11 south and then Route 606 west to rejoin the interstate at exit 205.
Motorists should expect major delays on I-81 and Route 11 in southern Augusta County and northern Rockbridge County. Avoid the area if possible today.
According to Virginia State Police, a tanker truck carrying ammonia crashed at the 212-mile marker on I-81 southbound in Augusta County. The driver experienced a medical emergency as the truck was heading southbound on I-81, sideswiped another vehicle also going southbound, then crossed into and crashed in the median.
The tanker truck driver was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. Hazmat crews on the scene are handling the ammonia. VDOT detours are in place in that area of I-81.
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Rebecca Barnabi
