Overnight southbound on-ramp closures are scheduled for Sunday through Thursday nights, May 8-12, at the interchange of Interstate 81 and Route 606 (Raphine Road) at exit 205 in Rockbridge County.
The ramp from Route 606 onto southbound I-81 will be closed each night from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. the following morning.
Virginia State Police will help enforce the overnight ramp closures. Digital message signs will guide motorists on a detour route.
The ramp closures are for repositioning of concrete barriers and paving operations, as part of a $4.7 million interchange improvement project. All work is weather permitting.
Improvements to I-81 exit 205 and Route 606 are designed to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety. Virginia’s SMART SCALE program and the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program fund the project. It includes ramp extensions, turn lanes, shoulder widening and turning-radius improvements.
In July 2021, VDOT awarded a $4,695,094.60 contract to A & J Development and Excavation Inc. of Mount Crawford. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2022.
Additional information about the I-81 Exit 205 project is found on the VDOT website at: www.virginiadot.org/projects/staunton/rockbridge_county_-_route_606_at_i-81_exit_205.asp.