STAUNTON – A project to enhance safety and ease traffic congestion is scheduled to start Monday, July 10, around the Interstate 81 exit 235 (Weyers Cave/Grottoes) interchange in Augusta County. The improvements will help drivers entering the interstate on-ramps from Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) and Route 11 (Lee Highway).

Contractors will construct a 450-foot right-turn lane on Route 256 westbound leading to the entrance of the I-81 northbound on-ramp. They will also build a 350-foot right-turn lane that begins on northbound Route 11 and continues on eastbound Route 256, leading to the I-81 southbound on-ramp.

During most phases of the project, construction will require only shoulder closures. However, motorists should be alert for occasional flagger traffic control during nighttime and overnight hours (8 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and heavy equipment moving in and out of the work zone.

In May 2023 the Virginia Department of Transportation awarded a $1,144,958.40 construction contract to General Excavation Inc. of Warrenton, Va. The project has a contract completion date of May 29, 2024. All work is weather permitting.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial 511 or visit 511Virginia.org. For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and Twitter. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. The VDOT Web page is www.VirginiaDOT.org.

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