Following is a list of forecasted highway projects that may impact traffic traveling in Botetourt County. Work schedules and construction project timelines are always subject to change and weather dependent.
Interstate 81 acceleration ramp extension at Exit 162 – This ramp extension project is underway and as part of the project, the on-ramp from Route 11 onto northbound 81 was previously closed but is now back open. This project will extend the on-ramp onto northbound I-81 about 1,000 feet. The project also includes installing drainage structures and constructing a retaining wall alongside the slope. As work progresses, additional ramp and lane closures may be in place during nighttime hours. During construction, a barrier wall will be installed along the right shoulder of northbound I-81 at Exit 162. Electronic message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the upcoming ramp closure and announce any schedule changes. Work is expected to be completed in late 2026. Drivers can expect nighttime right and left lane closures in place on I-81.
Interstate 81 bridge work at Exit 156 – Bridge work is underway on northbound and southbound I-81 at Exit 156. Milling and paving the bridge deck will take place in both directions beginning with the northbound side first and then southbound once northbound is completed. Drivers can expect lane closures on I-81 during nighttime hours. Slow roll operations are expected periodically and flagging operations will be used during barrier wall placement on Route 640 (Brughs Mill Road). Expected completion is fall 2026.
- Temporary traffic barrier in place on westbound side of Route 640 under the I-81 bridges off Exit 156 with lanes narrowed to 11 feet
- Nighttime outside and inside lane closures may be in place on I-81 from mile marker 155 to 157, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning.
I-81 widening from mile marker 143 to 150 – The I-81 widening project is underway with survey and preparation work. Shoulder strengthening work will require northbound and southbound lane closures during nighttime hours. Barrier wall installation is possible in late fall or early winter. The expected completion for this project is summer 2031.
- Traffic shift:Southbound traffic is shifted to the right shoulder from Exit 150 in Botetourt County to Exit 146 in Roanoke County.
- Lane closures: Periodic right and left lane and shoulder closures in place during nighttime hours 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on northbound and southbound I-81. Nighttime right lane and shoulder closures are being scheduled.
- Barrier walls: Drivers will see barrier walls in place throughout the project.
- Shoulder closures:Shoulder closures in place with additional barrier wall to be installed next year.
- Work zone speed: Drivers should adhere to posted60 mph speed limits in the work zone and allow space when following a vehicle. Speed reminders are posted for drivers.
- Ramps– Ramps on I-81, northbound and southbound, may be narrowed at Exit 150, 146, and 143.
- Detour signs:While detour signs are in place on I-81 and routes around the project, such as Route 11 and Plantation Road, these do not designate a permanent or scheduled detour. The signed detour route is suitable for all traffic during incidents including tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These signs are used for traffic incident detours only.
Route 11 lane shift and closure: Drivers should expect several impacts to Route 11 for various projects that are underway.
- Route 11 northbound will have an outside lane closure between Route 772 and the I-81 ramp through January 2026for fiber installation.
- Route 11 southbound will have a lane shift between Route 838 (Vista Drive) and Route 1007 (Bryant Road) for construction of a temporary construction entrance through January 2026.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
