Under Construction

What is being done?

This project will add a 12-foot continuous truck climbing lane to southbound Interstate 81 from milepost 120 near Christiansburg to milepost 125. 

Work also will be performed to upgrade the median and outside shoulder of I-81.  Most widening will occur on the outside shoulder, but some widening may be required in the median. 

Southbound I-81 crosses over Route 641 (Den Hill Road) and the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks south of mile marker 121.  The existing southbound bridge will be replaced to incorporate one additional lane and increase the shoulder width to meet current interstate standards.

Route 636 (Seneca Hollow Road and Friendship Road) are two-lane roadways that cross over I-81 twice, once at mile marker 123 and once at mile marker 124.9.  These two bridges will be reconstructed to allow for the additional lane.

The total estimated cost for a truck climbing lane on southbound Interstate 81 from mile marker 120 to mile marker 125 is $75.4 million.

No businesses, residences or non-profit organizations will be displaced as a result of this project.

Benefits

Completion of the project will enhance the safety of I-81 in this area by allowing slower moving vehicles to stay in the right two-lanes. Other benefits of the project include better traffic management with wider shoulders plus the use of the additional travel lane during traffic incidents.

What is the latest with the project development?

Construction on the I-81 truck climbing lane in Montgomery County began in spring 2011 and is expected to be completed by November 2013.

Traffic Impacts

The last blast for this project was detonated on Aug. 16. There are no plans for additional blasting at this time.

Nighttime lane closures or detours and traffic switches will occur during the spring and summer.

Work on the truck climbing lane project is expected to be completed in November 2013.