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Two travel lanes are now open on southbound Interstate 81 in Pulaski County at mile marker 97. One lane of southbound I-81 was closed at mile marker 97 after an overheight vehicle damaged the I-81 bridge over Route 611 (Newbern Road) on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
VDOT crews and contractors worked around-the-clock to pave the right shoulder on southbound I-81 to provide two 11-foot travel lanes while the bridge is repaired. The left lane of the bridge will remain closed indefinitely, and traffic in this area will use the right lane and shoulder as travel lanes.
The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 45 miles per hour. Drivers should use caution. Route 611 (Newbern Road) in Pulaski County has re-opened to through traffic. Route 611 was temporarily closed near Route 643 (Cougar Trail) on Tuesday after an overheight vehicle struck the Interstate-81 bridge over Route 611. Crews have installed a cover under the damaged bridge beams, which has reduced the height limit on Route 611 under the I-81 bridge to 13 feet, five inches. “We are doing some paving work today on the right shoulder of I-81 in the area of the 97 mile marker in order to have both the right lane and the right shoulder open for traffic,” said Coy. “We are hoping that this will help relieve congestion in that area.” Coy did add that the left southbound lane will remain closed for a still undetermined amount of time and that motorists should expect delays. “We are asking motorists to avoid that area of I-81 this Labor Day Weekend,” said Sgt. Dirk Compton of the Virginia State Police. “Traffic will be extremely heavy as it is and the closing of the one lane will only make it even more congested.” Early on Wednesday, Aug. 27, VDOT was able to re-open Route 611 beneath the bridge. The height limit on Route 611 under the I-81 bridge has been reduced to 13 feet, five inches.
For the latest updates on this incident, dial 511 or visit the Web site at www.511Virginia.org. Photo courtesy of VDOT
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