STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) – A third northbound lane of Interstate 81 is scheduled to fully open to traffic during the week of Nov. 9 – 13, 2026, between exit 222 (Route 250) and exit 225 (Route 262) in Staunton.

Contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began construction on the I-81 northbound and southbound widening in fall 2023, with a final completion date of summer 2027. The project includes the widening of five bridges – four on I-81 South and one on I-81 North.

Work continues in both directions of the interstate to include bridge construction, final paving and striping, and installation of guardrail and signs. Be alert for shoulder closures, traffic-pattern shifts and overnight single-lane closures. Northbound and southbound I-81 continue to have a work-zone speed limit of 60 miles an hour.

All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change.