I-81 delays expected as crews work to repair two bridges struck by tractor trailers 

Drivers are warned to expect substantial delays on Interstate 81 this week as crews work to make repairs to two bridges. 

The bridges on northbound Interstate 81 near Salem. Virginia were both recently struck by tractor trailers and are in need of repair. The Virginia Department of Transportation began these repairs on Sunday, July 16th at around 6 p.m.

The repairs will close the right lane of I-81 near mile marker 137 between Christiansburg and Roanoke through Tuesday, July 18th. 

“We know this is going to inconvenience people. We know it’s going to be impactful,” VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond said to WDBJ7. “Just please be aware of what’s going on. This will be a pretty significant disruption on traffic between Christiansburg and Roanoke.”

Drivers are encouraged to use Route 11/460 between Christiansburg and Roanoke as an alternate route. 

“This is going to impact people during commuter times both in the morning and in the evening on Monday,” Bond said. “Folks just need to be aware expect those delays and consider those alternate routes.”