VDOT News - Bristol

BRISTOL – Due to efforts to improve Interstate 81 northbound at exit 17 in Abingdon, 24-hour lane closures on I-81 northbound are required for multiple days during two weeks in June (weather permitting).

The previously announced schedule for the lane closure has been postponed by one day to now begin the evening of Monday, June 13.

The first lane closure will begin at 8 p.m. Monday, June 13 and will remain in place until 6 a.m. Friday, June 17. The closure is necessary to replace the left travel lane and left shoulder of the northbound bridge deck above Route 75 using hydrodemolition, a technique that uses high-pressure water to remove concrete.

The second lane closure will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 19 and will remain in place until 6 a.m. Thursday, June 23. This closure will use hydrodemolition to replace the right travel lane and right shoulder of the northbound bridge deck.

Local traffic is advised to seek alternate routes to avoid interstate traffic backups, which have the potential to be significant during peak afternoon travel times. Motorists traveling through the area should research alternate routes to avoid congestion or travel through the work zone during non-peak travel times such as mornings and overnight hours.

Use caution in this area and pay close attention to signs and message boards.

The project is part of the overall Interstate 81 exit 17 improvement project, which includes improvements to the exit 17 northbound on and off ramps, improvements to a segment of Route 75, reconstruction and relocation of Gravel Lake Road, and relocation of the frontage road located adjacent to the northbound exit 17 off ramp (Commerce Drive).

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