Southbound I-81 Overnight Lane Closures Start March 29 in Rockbridge County Engineering Begins for Widening Project from Raphine to Fairfield   Staunton, VA (March 23, 2026) -Motorists should expect overnight left-lane closures along southbound Interstate 81 in Rockbridge County as preliminary engineering work begins in late March on the widening project between Raphine and Fairfield. The closures will begin March 29 and continue weeknights from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through mid-June. Some overnight weekend closures are also possible. During this time, crews will do test borings to collect soil samples as they prepare for the planned southbound widening from Exit 205 to Exit 200. The southbound interstate will be widened from two lanes to three lanes for more than 5 miles. The first week of closures will focus on the area near Exit 200 at Fairfield, where crews will do preliminary engineering at the bridge over Route 710 (Sterrett Road). That will require single lane closures along both Route 710 and southbound I-81 in Fairfield. After that initial week, crews will move to the Raphine area at Exit 205 and will work their way southbound over the following several weeks. Motorists should be alert for shoulder closures and construction equipment entering and exiting the work zone. All work is weather permitting, and schedules are subject to change. The Rockbridge widening is being constructed as part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). Other major I-81 CIP projects in the VDOT Staunton District include: Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (scheduled for completion in late 2027) Strasburg-area widening (scheduled for completion in fall 2028) Harrisonburg-area widening (construction starts in spring 2026) Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028) The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects. The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623. Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website. The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

* * * * *