VDOT reports both northbound lanes are open once again on Interstate 81 north of Lexington where a large sinkhole opened up Monday. The repairs will take a while longer involving damaged underground pipes and drains, but VDOT says it expects to keep all northbound lanes open as the repairs continue.
(Continue reading for the full VDOT news release.)
BOTH NORTHBOUND LANES OPEN NEAR I-81 SINKHOLE IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
STAUNTON – There is a sinkhole along the right shoulder of northbound Interstate 81 at mile marker 197 in Rockbridge County. This location is within the I-81 truck climbing lane project in the Lexington area. As of 4:30 p.m. on April 30 both northbound lanes are open to traffic. Over the last day the right lane was closed.
The hole is located on the right shoulder. Within the sinkhole area are underground pipes and drains, which have been damaged. The sinkhole will have to be excavated and filled and paved, but the drainage structures will have to be repaired before the sinkhole work can be completed. Crews will be working on the drainage structure repairs and sinkhole repairs in the coming days. Two lanes of traffic on I-81 northbound are anticipated to remain open during this work.
