Southbound I‑81 to Close March 21–22 for Bridge Repairs Near Woodstock
Southbound Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County will be fully closed the weekend of March 21–22, 2026, as crews repair the Route 604 (North Street) overpass in Woodstock. The shutdown begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, and is expected to last until about 9 a.m. Sunday, March 22.
🚧 What Drivers Should Expect
The closure will create significant delays throughout the region. Heavy traffic is anticipated not only on I‑81 and Route 11, but also on surrounding roads in Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren, and Page counties.
The work is part of ongoing repairs to the Route 604 bridge, which has been closed since February after a dump truck with a raised bed struck and severely damaged a structural beam.
Crews will use the overnight closure to cut through the bridge deck and railing, remove the damaged beam, and install a replacement.
🔀 Detours and Traffic Changes (March 21–22)
- I‑81 South Detour: Exit at 291 (Toms Brook) → east on Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) → south on Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for about eight miles → west on Route 42 (Reservoir Road) → rejoin I‑81 at Exit 283 (Woodstock).
- I‑81 North Exit 291 Off‑Ramp: The ramp to Route 651 will be closed.
- In Woodstock:
- The westbound Route 42 left lane from Route 11 to Ox Road will be closed.
- The left‑turn lane from northbound Route 11 onto Route 42 will also be closed.
🚦 Ongoing Route 604 Closure
Route 604 remains closed between Summit Avenue and Route 676 (Fravel Road). Drivers are being routed onto Spring Street. This closure is expected to continue through April 30.
📱 Stay Updated
All work is weather‑dependent and may change. For real‑time travel information:
- Dial 511
- Visit the 511 Virginia website or mobile app
- Contact the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800‑367‑7623
VDOT also shares updates on Facebook, X, and its statewide website, including project news and travel alerts.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.