I plan to take the I81/I77 route from Connecticut this July. For those who will be going that way, you'll need to consider a minor detour:
= = =
Crews have begun widening the Christiansburg Mountain pass from two to three lanes in the southbound direction.
Highway officials are committed to keeping traffic moving safely during the massive digging and blasting project but have found it necessary to close long sections of the right shoulder over a 5-mile stretch. Both lanes are expected to stay open for most of the construction, scheduled to last two and a half years.
The section of highway brings 23,000 southbound motorists a day over hills and around curves. Driving alongside concrete barricades that separate work crews from traffic will add to the challenge.
Barriers have already reduced the right shoulder to little more than the width needed for rumble strips. The left shoulder is already that narrow. Although several turnouts are planned, drivers will have less room for error.
Unlike in Rockbridge County, where the speed limit has been cut to 55 mph because of a similar project, this stretch of I-81 will remain posted at 65 mph. Officials will revisit the limit if needed, said Heidi Underwood, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
(Read more at
http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/282956)
= = = =
I'm driving on July 4 weekend, so I KNOW that traffic will backup through this construction. The detour map indicates that you should detour at exit 128. I plan to get off at exit 132 and take Rte 11/460 to where it rejoins I81 at exit 118.
