In The News

Virginia officials close I-81 south lanes due to slope

SALEM, Va. — Highway officials are closing both southbound lanes of Interstate 81 near Blacksburg due to an unstable slope.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says traffic will be detoured at exit 132 onto Route 11/460 and back onto I-81 at exit 118 in Christiansburg.

The detour will remain in place until at least Wednesday but officials say it could take up to 10 days to stabilize the slope.

Crews have been blasting as part of a project to construct a truck climbing lane between mile markers 120 and 125. During a blast Monday, a 50-foot existing crack in a slope increased to approximately 120 feet in length.

Geotechnical experts reviewed the slope, and a decision was made to close the southbound lanes.

Officials warn drivers to prepare for delays in the area.

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected].

www.theTrucker.com