If you’re planning to drive on Interstates 81 or 64 later this week, be ready for possible traffic delays and detours. The Virginia Department of Transportation has announced slow-roll closures on Thursday night, December 21, affecting southbound Interstate 81 and westbound I-64 in Augusta County near Staunton, approximately 87 miles northeast of Roanoke. The closures, managed by Virginia State Police, are scheduled between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., causing traffic disruptions into early Friday morning.
The impacted areas include southbound I-81 between exits 225 and 220, and westbound I-64 between exit 91 and the I-81 interchange. Drivers should be aware of temporary entrance-ramp closures during the slow-roll operations, with digital message signs providing information about the traffic restrictions, according to VDOT.
A slow roll is a traffic management technique that involves gradually slowing down approaching vehicles to create a gap, allowing safe work over travel lanes without live traffic. The speed can drop to as low as 10 mph, and traffic may be temporarily stopped and held by lead vehicles in each lane. Typically, a slow roll operation lasts no more than 15 minutes at a time.
The slow rolls on December 21 are necessary for VDOT contractors to initiate the demolition and removal of the Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) overpass bridge. This bridge replacement is part of a project to build a new auxiliary lane on southbound I-81 between exit 221 (I-64 junction) and exit 220 (Route 220 south).
Aside from the slow-roll closures, motorists on southbound I-81 should also be cautious of single-lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday through Thursday nights (December 18-22).
It’s important to note that all work is subject to weather conditions, and these plans are contingent on favorable weather for the specified dates.
Route 635 in the area of the bridge over I-81 is closed through mid-2025 due to the bridge replacement. Detour routes and information are on the VDOT project page.
