Northbound Interstate 81 motorists can expect single left-lane closures and a possible closure of all northbound lanes July 12-13 for sinkhole repairs at mile marker 268.4 in Shenandoah County. Drivers and dispatchers should be prepared to use alternate routes.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will repair a sinkhole located along the northbound I-81 left shoulder at mile marker 268.4 in Shenandoah County. The work zone set-up begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, extending from mile marker 266.5 to mile marker 269. The left lane and left shoulder will be closed within the work zone area.
This location is between exit 264 at Route 211 in the New Market area of Shenandoah County and exit 269 at Route 730 near Shenandoah Caverns.
Once the work zone is established, it will remain active until the repairs are complete. Repairs may extend into the day on Wednesday, July 13. It is possible, but unknown at this time, if both northbound lanes will need to be closed.
No detour is planned as the work zone begins, but if traffic begins to back up on I-81 travelers will be directed off of I-81 at exit 257 at Route 11 near Mauzy in Rockingham County and travel north on Route 11, rejoining I-81 at exit 269. Exit 264 will be closed at Route 211 in New Market due to tight turning areas for trucks trying to access Route 11 northbound.
