STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — Southbound Interstate 81 is set to close in the Staunton area from 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30, through 8 a.m. Sunday, May 31.

The closure reportedly allows contractors to install large overhead sign structures and perform paving as part of the ongoing interstate widening project.

During the overnight closure:

  • Southbound I-81 drivers will detour at exit 225 and use the Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) bypass around Staunton. They will rejoin the interstate at exit 220 just south of the city.
  • Southbound I-81 drivers who need to reach I-64 eastbound will use exit 225, follow the Route 262 detour around Staunton, join I-81 northbound at exit 220 and then take exit 221 to go east on I-64.
  •  The on-ramp from Route 262 onto southbound I-81 at exit 225 will be closed, the on-ramp from Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) onto southbound I-81 at exit 222 will be closed.

Digital message boards will alert motorists of the southbound closure and advise them to follow green-and-white “Emergency Route A” signs to navigate through the detour.

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