Shenandoah County: Repairs to close section of Interstate 81 this week

VDOT is set to begin repairs on a sinkhole in the Interstate 81 median and left shoulder near mile marker 278.3 southbound in Shenandoah County.

This location is just south of exit 279 at Route 185 in the Edinburg area.

Repairs are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. When the repairs begin, the southbound left lane will be closed in the area of exit 279 and mile marker 278.

The southbound left lane of Interstate 81 is anticipated to remain closed until the sinkhole repairs are complete.

Repairs are anticipated to be complete by 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Depending on the size, shape and location of the sinkhole, ongoing lane closures may be needed.

The sinkhole was discovered during routine maintenance work. VDOT crews have been monitoring the hole until repairs could be made.

Sinkhole repairs include excavating the hole to determine its size and the stability of the surrounding ground before back-filling it and repairing the surrounding roadway.

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.

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