Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with VDOT's Ken Slack for a wide-ranging update on major road improvement projects along Interstate 81 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From bridge replacements to public meetings, Ken breaks down what drivers can expect in the months and years ahead.

Topics Covered

I-81 Widening at Strasburg

• Project is approximately 40% complete
• Key work includes replacing the southbound bridge over Cedar Creek and widening the span over the CSX railway
• Traffic expected to shift toward the median around August to allow the next phase of bridge work
• Bridge replacements are done in stages to keep traffic moving

Emergency Bridge Repair in Woodstock

• A dump truck with its bed raised struck a bridge on Route 604 in Woodstock last fall; a tractor trailer collision followed
• VDOT replaced a steel support beam, requiring a temporary southbound closure
• Extensive outreach was coordinated across Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren counties

I-81 Bridge at Millwood (Exit 313) — Winchester

• Existing seven-lane bridge will be replaced with a nine-lane structure
• New bridge will be built just north of the existing one; traffic will shift when ready
• Surrounding improvements include turn lanes, auxiliary lanes, and pedestrian accommodations
• Project involves Routes 50, 17, and 522 — one of the most heavily traveled crossings on I-81

Winchester North Improvements (Mile Markers 317–319)

• Widening of approximately two miles of I-81 on the north end of Winchester
• Major reconstruction of Exit 317 (Martinsburg Pike/Route 11)
• Exit 317 will become a diverging diamond interchange — a new design for this part of Virginia
• Redbud Road relocation is already underway to make way for the project
• All work bundled under a single design-build contract
• Public meeting tentatively scheduled for late June — watch VDOT's website and social media for details

How VDOT Selects Contractors

• Projects go out for competitive bid, typically with a 1–2 month window
• Complex projects may use a design-build approach, allowing contractors to bring innovation to the design
• Local/regional contractors often have a "home court advantage" with established resources and relationships
• Larger projects may attract contractors from outside Virginia

Public Meetings & Community Input

• VDOT holds informal open-house style meetings — no podium, no formal testimony required
• Display boards, one-on-one conversations with engineers, and court reporters available
• Online surveys run simultaneously so anyone can participate remotely
• Public input genuinely shapes design decisions — local knowledge of traffic patterns is valued

Oranda Park and Ride (Exit 298, Strasburg)

• Current gravel lot with ~43 spaces will be expanded to approximately 130 spaces
• Upgrades include full paving, striping, improved lighting, curbing, and a crosswalk across Oranda Road
• Construction bid awarded soon; work expected to begin summer 2026
• No impact anticipated on Route 11 or I-81 traffic during construction

Resources & Links

• improve81.org — Interactive map, project details, public meeting info, and updates on all I-81 capital improvement projects
• VDOT website — Search "VDOT projects" for information on all projects in the Staunton District
• Improve 81 Newsletter — Quarterly updates on I-81 CIP projects (sign up at improve81.org)