Crews will return to the intersection of Port Republic and Forest Hill roads next week, as work nears completion on the reconfiguration of the Interstate 81 North exit ramp.
Drivers will see the right lane closed in both directions on Port Republic Road on Tuesday as crews switch to the new traffic signals in the area of Forest Hill Road. This closure is expected to take the entire day, and drivers should use caution in this area.
State troopers will be controlling traffic while the signals are switched and tested, and drivers may wish to consider an alternate route.
Work also is expected to take place in this area on I-81 North from July 6 to 8, as crews pave the new Exit 245 off ramp.
This work will require the ramp to be closed, as well as a short lane closure on I-81.
The I-81 North realignment will relocate the northbound off ramp to make it align with Forest Hill Road. The project, which is expected to be completed by August 2020, seeks to improve the safety of drivers on Port Republic Road and of those trying to access Forest Hill Road after exiting the interstate.
The project also will relocate the James Madison University R10 and R-11 parking lot entrance to Hunters Road, and the university has been a significant partner in the overall project – providing all needed right of way and easements for the project at no cost to the city.
The city was awarded a Virginia Department of Transportation Smart Scale grant for the realignment.