Drivers should expect nighttime lane closures at first with long-term, weekend lane and ramp closures coming later
The Virginia Department of Transportation is beginning a $2 million project on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County to rehabilitate the pair of bridges over Route 220 near exit 150. Bridge work is anticipated to start in late April and be completed in approximately four months in late summer.
Starting on April 22, drivers should expect recurring nighttime lane closures on northbound or southbound I-81 at exit 150 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. In addition, nighttime lane closures may be in place beneath the bridges on northbound and southbound Route 220.
As work progresses in the future, six long-term lane closures will be scheduled with three on northbound I-81 and three on southbound I-81. These long-term lane closures will start on Friday or Saturday nights and continue for approximately 14 to 16 hours through the following morning.
During the extended lane closures on southbound I-81, the ramp from southbound I-81 onto southbound Route 220 and the ramp from northbound Route 220 onto southbound I-81 will be closed. Traffic will be able to use Route 11 and exit 146 during the ramp closures.
Work on the pair of bridges will include removing the existing riding surface and overlaying it with a new layer of concrete. Patching on the bridges and underneath and paving the approaches is also included.
The contractor performing the work is Lanford Brothers Company Inc. from Roanoke.
