VDOT News - Salem

SALEM —  Road work will begin in late January to replace the pair of bridges that carry Interstate 81 over Route 8 at exit 114 (Christiansburg).  The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2021.    

Weather permitting, starting in late January, the speed limit on I-81 at exit 114 will be reduced 60 mph.  Later this spring, two temporary signals will be installed to control traffic on Route 8. 

Drivers can expect two lanes of Interstate 81 traffic in both directions to remain open for most of the project’s duration, but temporary nighttime closures and detours may be in place at times outside of peak travel hours. 

To keep two lanes of I-81 traffic open, a new bridge will be built first with traffic shifted onto it before an old bridge is demolished and removed. 

Weekend detours for Route 8 traffic also may be scheduled during the life of the project.

The purpose of the $34.9 million design-build project is to replace the pair of I-81 bridges over Route 8 that were constructed in 1964.  VDOT has contracted with Haymes Brothers Inc. from Chatham to complete the bridge replacement project.

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