Update: Both northbound lanes open after Interstate 81 bridge work near West Virginia line

Update: Wednesday, 2:47 p.m. Traffic restrictions have been lifted from northbound Interstate 81 following completion of emergency bridge repairs in West Virginia. The work zone was just north of the state line, creating the potential for significant delays for northbound I-81 motorists in Frederick County, Virginia. The right lane reopened shortly before 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, August 15).

First report: Wednesday, 12:38 p.m. Drivers can expect times of significant traffic delays on northbound Interstate 81 in Frederick County due to emergency bridge work in West Virginia. Work began this morning (Wednesday, August 15) about three miles north of the Virginia/West Virginia state line. The right lane of northbound I-81 will be closed at the work zone 24 hours a day until repairs are complete. There is no estimated time for reopening the right lane.

During the bridge work, northbound I-81 traffic is likely to back up into Frederick County, Virginia. Related congestion is also expected on Route 11 in the Winchester area.

Northbound motorists should consider alternate routes including:

• Interstate 66 or Route 7 to Route 340 northbound through Warren and Clarke counties
• I-81 exit 310 to Route 37 (Winchester bypass) to Route 522 northbound in Frederick County.

Variable message boards along the northbound I-81 and westbound I-66 corridors are warning drivers of the I-81 lane closure.

Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

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

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