VDOT announces upcoming sinkhole repair on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County
Staunton, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced plans to repair a sinkhole located in the median and left shoulder of Interstate 81 southbound near mile marker 278.3 in Shenandoah County. The repair site is just south of exit 279 at Route 185 in the Edinburg area.
Repairs are set to begin at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16. Once work starts, the southbound left lane in the area near exit 279 and mile marker 278 will be closed to allow crews to address the issue. VDOT anticipates the repairs to be completed by 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 17. However, if the sinkhole presents more significant challenges than expected, additional lane closures may be required.
Closures Expected Until Repair is Complete
The sinkhole was discovered during routine maintenance in the area. Since its discovery, VDOT has been closely monitoring the hole until the planned repair date. The repair process will involve excavating the hole to assess its size and the surrounding ground’s stability. Once the area is evaluated, VDOT crews will backfill the hole and repair the affected section of the roadway.
Motorists traveling in the area should be aware of potential delays due to the lane closures, and drivers are encouraged to plan alternative routes during the repair process. VDOT crews will work diligently to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly and safely as possible. However, drivers should remain cautious, as lane closures may extend if further repair work is needed.
Weather-Dependent Work
As with most roadwork projects, the completion of the sinkhole repairs is weather permitting. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions by using VDOT’s 511 service, which provides real-time traffic alerts and traveler information. This service is available by dialing 511 or visiting the VDOT website at www.511Virginia.org.
For further assistance, VDOT’s Customer Service Center is available 24/7 to assist residents with road hazard reports, transportation inquiries, or general information related to Virginia’s roadways. The Customer Service Center can be reached at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or through the mobile-friendly website my.vdot.virginia.gov.
VDOT’s Commitment to Safety
VDOT’s Staunton District, which serves Shenandoah County and the surrounding areas including Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties, remains committed to maintaining safe and accessible roadways for all motorists. The district regularly monitors road conditions and conducts necessary maintenance to ensure that potential hazards, such as sinkholes, are addressed promptly and effectively.
For ongoing updates about VDOT projects, follow the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and Twitter, or visit VirginiaDOT.org for more information.
