Update 8:50 a.m.
News Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:
TRAFFIC ALERT: EMERGENCY ASPHALT REPAIRS WILL KEEP NORTHBOUND I-81 LANES NEAR MILE MARKER 167 CLOSED
The right shoulder is open to traffic
At approximately 5 a.m. this morning, a traffic accident involving a vehicle fire occurred on northbound Interstate 81 near mile marker 167 in Botetourt County. As a result of the fire, the asphalt in the area was heavily damaged and will need to be repaired before the lanes can reopen to traffic.
VDOT staff is on scene assessing the damage and crews have been rerouted to the area to begin repairs immediately. Crews estimate they will have the right lane open to traffic at noon today and will then move on to the left lane. It is unknown at this time when the left lane will be completed. These timeframes are estimates and could be impacted by weather or unforeseen circumstances once the crews arrive on scene for the repairs.
At this time the right shoulder is open to traffic. Drivers should expect delays in the area and avoid this section of I-81 if possible until the repairs are completed.
For the latest information on this incident visit www.511Virginia.org.
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Update 7:01 a.m.
Traffic is moving again on Interstate 81 North at mile marker 167.8 in Botetourt County.
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Update 6:39 a.m.
Views from VDOT’s www.511Virginia.org webcam near mile marker 164 show traffic backed up there.
(webcam near Interstate 81 mile marker 164)
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Friday, 7/25/14 5:43 a.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation reports that there is a vehicle accident blocking Interstate 81 North at mile marker 167.8, in Botetourt County. All northbound lanes are closed, including the shoulders. There is no word on when I81 will reopen. Motorists should seek alternate routes at this time.
