Starting this weekend, there will be significant delays for drivers on northbound Interstate 81 in Roanoke County near Salem, Virginia, due to bridge repairs in the work zone. The Virginia Department of Transportation advises motorists to pay attention to message boards, anticipate delays, and explore alternative routes.
The repairs are scheduled to begin tentatively on Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m. A closure of the right lane will be in effect on northbound I-81 at mile marker 137. This closure is necessary for major repairs to be carried out on the bridge over Route 635 (Goodwin Avenue) and the bridge over Route 619 (Academy Street). The lane will be closed continuously and is expected to reopen before the afternoon commute on Tuesday, July 18.
Drivers traveling between Christiansburg and Roanoke will experience significant impacts during this closure, particularly during peak travel times. Heavy traffic is anticipated on Route 11/460 and Main Street in Salem.
These damaged bridges are located within the work zone for the I-81 widening project between exits 137 and 141. Both bridges have been damaged by tractor-trailers. The repair work involves the removal of damaged concrete, replacement of reinforcing steel, and pouring of new concrete.
Flaggers may occasionally control traffic on Goodwin Avenue and Academy Street below the bridges while the repairs are underway.
Drivers traveling between Christiansburg and Roanoke can consider using Route 11/460 as an alternative route during the lane closure. For travelers on northbound I-81 at Wytheville who are heading to destinations north of Roanoke, rerouting via Interstate 77 north to Interstate 64 east is another option to be considered.
To get updates on the lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org.
