Exit 167 permanently closed along I-81 South as part of VDOT safety project in Botetourt County

Posted: Oct 2, 2020 / 01:30 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 2, 2020 / 01:30 PM EDT

(File photo)

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Work is now underway on a project aimed at improving the S-curves between mile marker 167.4 and mile marker 169.5 along I-81 South in Botetourt County kicked off on Thursday.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the purpose of the project is to enhance the safety and improve the vehicle traction along the roadway. Crews are set to repave the travel lanes, apply new pavement markers, and install underground pavement drains.

However, part of the project involves permanently closing and removing the southbound off-ramp at Exit 167 — the Buchanan exit — effective Thursday, Oct. 1, in order to reduce speed differentials, points of conflict, and lane changes related to exiting vehicles, VDOT says.

I-81 SOUTHBOUND S-CURVES PROJECT UPDATE:
Exit 167 on southbound I-81 has been permanently closed as of yesterday, October 1, as part of the S-curves project in @botetourtcounty. For more information on this project, visit https://t.co/cYTpI6CJZc. pic.twitter.com/5O1qhDpMBR
— VDOT Salem (@VaDOTSalem) October 2, 2020

Over the course of the project, drivers are told to expect a reduced speed limit of 60mph and nighttime lane closures. According to VDOT, the project is estimated to finish in summer 2021.

Officials say Adams Construction of Roanoke is serving as the contractor for the project — which has a construction contract valued at $3.7 million — while VDOT oversees work on the project.