Improvements complete at three I-81 Interchanges in Shenandoah, Frederick

Contractors finished ramp improvements this week at three interchanges along Interstate 81 in the northern Shenandoah Valley.

The work included extension of acceleration or deceleration lanes (on- or off-ramps) at three locations in Shenandoah and Frederick counties:

• Exit 291 (Toms Brook) – Acceleration lane from Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) onto northbound I-81.
• Exit 296 (Strasburg) – Acceleration lane from Route 55/48 (John Marshall Highway) onto southbound I-81.
• Mile Marker 304 (commercial truck weigh station) – Deceleration lane from northbound I-81 into the commercial truck weigh station.

The I-81 interchange upgrades enhance safety and traffic operations by providing vehicles with more room to reach interstate speed before merging, or slow to exit at the interchange. The project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program, approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in 2018. The $2 billion package of focused improvements was funded by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam in spring 2019.

Additional information about the I-81 CIP is at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, timelines and details about projects that are designed to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor.

On Feb. 25, VDOT awarded a $1,694,806.64 contract to Kickin’ Asphalt Paving and Excavating LLC of Strasburg. The ramp-extensions project met its contract completion date of Nov. 10.

Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 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 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.