STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation will host a public hearing in Frederick County concerning the widening of Interstate 81 from about mile marker 317 to 319, and improvements to the I-81 exit 317 interchange with Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike). The open-house meeting will take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in the library of Millbrook High School, 251 First Woods Drive, Winchester, VA 22603.
Citizens can come in anytime during the meeting hours and discuss the project on a one-on-one basis with VDOT officials and designers. Submit written comments at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Jennifer Hoover, P.E., VDOT Project Manager, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029. Oral comments can be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.
These projects make multiple improvements on I-81 and nearby roadways in Frederick County just north of Winchester. The projects will be bundled under a single design-build contract.
I-81 will receive a third lane northbound and southbound. This includes replacement of the bridges over two railways and over Route 11 at exit 317. These bridges will improve vertical clearance for large truck traffic on Route 11.
The project bundle includes construction of a diverging diamond interchange at exit 317. This design will enhance safety and minimize congestion on I-81 and Route 11. The northbound I-81 off-ramp will be realigned to the current location of Route 661 (Redbud Road), which will be relocated prior to reconstruction of the interchange. A new shared-use path will be built along Route 11 near the I-81 interchange.
Route 661 (Welltown Road) and Crown Lane will be converted to a pair of one-way roads near their approaches to Route 11. Northbound traffic will use the existing Welltown Road, and southbound traffic will use Crown Lane, partly on a new alignment. A new park-and-ride facility will be constructed near the Welltown/Crown intersection.
These bundled projects will be coordinated with the planned widening of I-81 between about mile marker 312.2 and 317, which is in the early stages of design.
More information is on the VDOT website: vdot.virginia.gov/I81WinchesterNorthProjects.
The total estimated cost for these bundled projects is $253.7 million including $13.2 million for preliminary engineering, $10.7 million for right of way and utility relocation, and $229.8 million for construction.
The exit 317 diverging diamond interchange was selected for funding under Virginia’s SMART SCALE process for prioritizing transportation projects.
The interstate widening project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.
The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.
Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
Information from a release.
