September 7, 2024

FREDERICK COUNTY – Virginia Department of Transportation officials say travelers headed northbound on Interstate 81 in Frederick County throughout the Easter holiday weekend should expect significant traffic delays due to emergency bridge work in West Virginia. The right lane of I-81 northbound is expected to be completely closed through Wednesday, April 4, about three miles north of the Virginia/West Virginia state line.

VDOT spokesman Ken Slack said in a media release that by 4 p.m. Thursday, traffic was backed up around four miles into Frederick County, Virginia. Similar congestion is expected on Route 11 in the Winchester area for the duration of the bridge work.

Northbound motorists should consider alternate routes including:

• Interstate 66 or Route 7 to Route 340 northbound through Warren and Clarke counties.
• I-81 exit 310 to Route 37 (Winchester bypass) to Route 522 northbound in Frederick County.

Variable message boards along northbound I-81 westbound I-66 corridors are warning drivers of the I-81 lane closure.

Dial 511 to obtain real-time Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at the VDOT website.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

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