VDOT officials provide an update on the repairs being made to the I-81 bridge near Salem

Salem, Virginia – As a result of a collision between a tractor-trailer and a bridge on southbound Interstate 81 in Salem, emergency repairs went into effect on Friday morning. The bridge was located near mile marker 138.

In addition to causing substantial slowdowns on the highway, it has also caused significant delays in the neighboring areas via detour routes. At times, traffic on Interstate 81 has backed up for more than five miles, and motorists have also had trouble venturing about the downtown area of Salem.

In order to remove the damage, which includes removing and replacing concrete as well as restoring broken guardrails, the repairs are anticipated to take around forty-eight hours, which will continue into Sunday, according to state officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation, Jason Bond, stated that the crash caused significant damage to the bridge. “Before that lane can be reopened to traffic, there is some repair work that needs to be completed,” the report states.

Due to the fact that the collision took place within the work zone for the widening project on Interstate 81, this is not the first time that a collision has taken place there. There is a greater likelihood that drivers will run off the road and collide with the bridge since the lanes that are located close to the work zone are narrower.

Bond stated, “We have experienced some damage to this bridge in the work zone,” referring to the construction site. In addition to the tractor-trailer, there have been other vehicles and other types of vehicles that have damaged this bridge.

During that portion of the highway, the Virginia Department of Transportation has urged all motorists to exercise an increased level of vigilance.

When traveling through the work zone, Bond advised that drivers adhere to the posted speed limit and provide a significant amount of space between themselves and other vehicles.

Both ramps at Exit 140 and the on-ramp at Exit 141 have been closed, in addition to the right lane of Interstate 81 that is located close to the occurrence of the accident. When drivers exit the highway at exit 141, they can follow the detour instructions and travel 460 from Roanoke to Christiansburg, where they can pick up 81 again after passing through the jam.

When traveling southbound through Salem, they can also fully avoid the traffic by taking Interstate 64 West to Interstate 77 South. This is an alternative route.

On the website of the Virginia Department of Transportation, you will discover additional information regarding lane closures.