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I-81’s third northbound lane near Staunton is due next week; construction continues
The new lane between exits 222 and 225 is scheduled for November 9–13, with the 60 mph work-zone limit remaining.
Drivers on Interstate 81 near Staunton are due to gain a third northbound lane next week, but they will still be traveling through an active construction zone. VDOT says the lane between exit 222 at Route 250 and exit 225 at Route 262 is scheduled to open during November 9–13, weather permitting.
The distinction matters for through traffic: the opening adds capacity before the widening project is finished. Crews will continue bridge work, paving, striping and installation of signs and guardrail in both directions. The agency says the 60 mph work-zone speed limit remains, along with the possibility of shoulder closures, traffic shifts and overnight single-lane closures.
Construction began in fall 2023 under a $101 million design-build contract. The project includes five bridge widenings and is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
VDOT’s November 4 announcement also places the Staunton work ahead of several longer-running corridor projects: truck-climbing lanes near Weyers Cave are scheduled to finish in late 2027, while southbound widening near Strasburg is scheduled for fall 2028. The extra Staunton lane is a milestone within that larger program, rather than the end of I-81 construction.
