Rockingham County: Upgrades at I-81 travel center to ease traffic congestion starting next week

Numerous roadway and intersection improvements will help handle increased traffic starting Monday, June 30, when a new travel center opens in Rockingham County.

The location is next to the Interstate 81 exit 240 interchange with Route 257/682 (Friedens Church Road) near Mount Crawford.

The following modifications, funded by the business through an agreement with the county, will be in place by June 30:

A dedicated lane from the northbound I-81 exit 240 off-ramp onto Buc-ee’s Boulevard. This “slip lane” will allow northbound interstate traffic to reach the travel center without stopping at a traffic signal.

A second merge lane from westbound Friedens Church Road onto northbound I-81. This is a slip lane that will not stop at a traffic signal.

A second left-turn lane from Friedens Church Road onto the ramp to southbound I-81.

A second left-turn lane from the southbound I-81 exit ramp onto Friedens Church Road.

New turn lanes from eastbound and westbound Friedens Church Road onto Buc-ee’s Boulevard.

Dual left-turn lanes from Buc-ee’s Boulevard onto Friedens Church Road.

Upgrades are also in equipment and timing for the three traffic signals along Friedens Church Road at the intersections with southbound I-81, northbound I-81 and Route 950 (Walton Way/Buc-ee’s Boulevard).

Motorists may still experience congestion and traffic delays around the interchange. Law enforcement will assist with traffic control in the area through the July 4th holiday weekend.