Bristol, Va. Faces Temporary Closure of I-81 South

If you plan to drive through Bristol, Va. on Wednesday night, you might want to rethink your route. Beginning late Wednesday night, Interstate 81 South will experience a temporary closure between Exits 3 and 1. This change is due to the removal of a sign and its support structure that was damaged during paving work earlier this week. So, what’s the plan? Let’s break it down.

What’s Happening?

The closure will start at 11 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the area of closure is specifically between Exits 3 (I-381) and Exit 1. During this time, traffic will be rerouted. If you’re traveling on I-81 South, you’ll be detoured off at Exit 3. From there, the detour will take you to Euclid Avenue, where you can resume your journey on I-81 South by accessing it from Virginia Exit 1 or Tennessee Exit 74.

However, it’s crucial to note that during this closure, I-381 traffic will only have access to northbound I-81.

Why Is This Happening?

Earlier this week, crews were paving the road when they struck a sign at mile marker 1.9. An inspection found that while the structure remained stable, it showed signs of bowing, making replacement necessary for safety reasons.

The process will involve removing the sign and its support structure from over the travel lanes. Once that’s done, crews will move the structure to the left and center lanes, where it will be disassembled and transported away. Expect the right lane of I-81 South to reopen once the structure is safely moved to the center and left lanes.

Looking Ahead

So, when can we expect the new structure? Well, there’s a bit of uncertainty there. VDOT has mentioned that a contract to replace the sign is being prepared. However, they haven’t provided a specific timeline for its replacement yet. Essentially, the replacement is happening, but we don’t know exactly when.

In the meantime, additional signage will be in place to help direct traffic and alleviate confusion. This should help make the detour process a bit smoother for everyone involved.

Plan Your Trip

If you have plans to travel through this part of I-81 South, keep the following in mind:

• Check traffic updates: Before you head out, make sure to check for the latest traffic updates to avoid any unexpected delays.
• Consider alternative routes: If possible, try to plan an alternative route to bypass the closure completely.
• Allow extra time: If you must travel through the area, allocate extra time for your trip to account for the detour.

In Summary

Bristol, Va. is facing a temporary closure of I-81 South starting Wednesday night at 11 p.m. due to the removal of a damaged sign and its support structure. The closure is expected to last until the structure is safely removed and transported. While VDOT is preparing a contract to replace the sign, there’s no specific timeline for its replacement at this moment. Travelers should plan their routes accordingly, check for traffic updates, and allow extra time for any delays. Stay safe and drive carefully!