Augusta County, Virginia — An overnight closure of Interstate 81 at mile marker 220 will reroute traffic and could trigger delays this weekend.
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, Interstate 81 will close beginning 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, and remain shut down until 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, as crews continue work on a bridge construction project in the area.
During the closure, drivers traveling through Augusta County will be detoured onto Route 262, a bypass route that runs around the Staunton area. Officials said motorists should plan ahead, expect slower travel times, and allow additional time for trips during the overnight construction window.
The work is part of an ongoing roadway and bridge project along the I-81 corridor designed to improve traffic flow and infrastructure in the region. Heavy equipment and construction crews are visible in the work zone, where new bridge structures are being installed alongside the existing interstate.
Authorities emphasized that the detour will remain in effect for the full duration of the closure, and drivers should follow posted signs and instructions from traffic control personnel.
Local officials also advised commercial drivers and through-traffic to monitor navigation systems for updated routing information while the interstate is closed.
The overnight closure may also affect early-morning commuters and student travelers using the interstate Sunday, particularly those heading toward the Staunton and Waynesboro areas.
Drivers planning to travel along Interstate 81 through Augusta County late Saturday night or early Sunday morning are encouraged to plan alternate routes and expect temporary congestion along Route 262.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news. Have a tip? Message us.
