Widening project in Roanoke County to temporarily reduce lanes and close ramps on Interstate 81
Salem, Virginia – Motorists traveling through Roanoke County near Salem should prepare for upcoming nighttime lane and ramp closures as part of the ongoing Interstate 81 widening project. These closures are necessary to move the barrier wall and shift traffic patterns at the Route 311 bridge (exit 140).
Scheduled Closures on Northbound and Southbound Lanes
Weather permitting, the first set of closures will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4, affecting northbound I-81 between mile markers 139 and 141. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane until approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 5. During this time, two ramps will also be closed:
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The off-ramp from northbound I-81 onto Route 311
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The on-ramp from Route 311 onto northbound I-81
Similar closures are scheduled for southbound I-81 the following week. Again, weather permitting, the second set of closures will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and last until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 12. During this time:
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The ramp from southbound I-81 onto Route 311
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The ramp from Route 311 onto southbound I-81
These changes are essential for facilitating a traffic pattern shift. Once the barrier wall has been moved, I-81 motorists will drive on a new section of the roadway, specifically the left side, across the bridge. While two lanes will remain open, there will be a wide left shoulder and a narrow right shoulder within the work zone.
If inclement weather or unexpected delays occur, the work will be rescheduled for a future Friday night into Saturday morning, avoiding holiday travel weekends.
Drivers are advised to use caution, expect delays, and stay alert for updated signage and traffic control measures in the area.
