Overnight ramp closures at the interchange of Interstate 81 and Route 606 (Raphine Road) at exit 205 in Rockbridge County are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday nights, February 28 to March 2. The ramp closures allow contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation to move concrete barriers protecting the work zone, as part of a $4.7 million interchange improvement project. All work is weather permitting.
From 7 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday, the off-ramp from southbound I-81 to Route 606 will be closed for removal of concrete barriers.
From 8 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday, the off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Route 606 will be closed for installation of concrete barriers.
From 8 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday, the on-ramp from Route 606 to northbound I-81 will be closed for installation of concrete barriers.
Virginia State Police will help enforce the overnight ramp closures. Digital message signs will guide motorists on detour routes.
Improvements to I-81 exit 205 and Route 606 are designed to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety. Virginia’s SMART SCALE program and the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program fund the project. It includes ramp extensions, turn lanes, shoulder widening and turning-radius improvements.
In July 2021, VDOT awarded a $4,695,094.60 contract to A & J Development and Excavation Inc. of Mount Crawford, Va. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2022.
Additional information about the I-81 Exit 205 project is found on the VDOT website at: https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/staunton/rockbridge_county_-_route_606_at_i-81_exit_205.asp.
Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or visiting http://www.511Virginia.org.
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 at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. Follow VDOT on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
Photo: Getty Images