ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 3:30 P.M.:
Drivers on I-81 Friday evening can continue to expect delays due to emergency roadwork, according to VDOT.
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Emergency roadwork is happening at mile marker 137 to repair a large pothole, VDOT said.
A right lane closure was expected to be in place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, but VDOT has since extended the closure to around 5:30 p.m. Crews said the extended closure is due to an equipment failure.
The exit 137 entrance ramp onto I-81 will also be closed during this time, crews said. Authorities say the repair will occur within a work zone from mile marker 137 to 140.
VDOT suggested that drivers between Roanoke and Christiansburg seek different routes such as Route 11/460 or take I-81 exits 140 & 141 towards exit 137 to return to the interstate in order to avoid delays.
ORIGINAL STORY
Drivers heading south on I-81 can expect delays due to emergency road work, according to VDOT.
At mile marker 137, just south of the off-ramp at exit 137, emergency road work is planned to repair a large pothole.
A right lane closure will be in place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and the exit 137 entrance ramp onto I-81 will also be closed during this time.
Authorities say the repair will occur within the work zone of the widening project from mile marker 137 to 140.
Additional work will occur in this area on Monday of next week, VDOT says.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Emergency road work scheduled SB #I81 MM 137, south of 137 off ramp. Right lane closure, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 9. Large pothole requires immediate repair within work zone. Additional work on Monday of next week. Expect delays. Watch message boards. pic.twitter.com/IfKke0aKPe
— VDOT Salem (@VaDOTSalem) December 9, 2022