This project will enhance safety and reduce congestion in the area of the northbound and southbound Mount Sidney Safety Rest Areas along Interstate 81. Three ramps (merge lanes) will be extended in order to give vehicles enough space to speed up or slow down as needed to successfully merge with traffic. Both rest areas are located near mile marker 232 in Augusta County.

Each of the three following ramps will be extended by about 1,200 feet:

• Deceleration lane (off-ramp) into the southbound I-81 rest area
• Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the southbound I-81 rest area
• Acceleration lane (on-ramp) from the northbound I-81 rest area

Because of its proximity to the rest areas, the Route 775 (Buttermilk Road) bridge over I-81 will be replaced. The current bridge was built in 1966 with three concrete piers that do not allow room for additional I-81 lanes. The new bridge will be constructed with a single pier in the median, allowing space for extended northbound and southbound ramps. VDOT plans to close part of Route 775 so the new bridge can be built in the same location, saving money and construction time.

This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor. More information is available at Improve81.org.

Benefits

Extending acceleration and deceleration lanes (on- and off-ramps) at the Mount Sidney Safety Rest Areas will enhance safety and reduce congestion on Interstate 81.

Public Outreach

A public hearing for this project will be held:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Weyers Cave Community Center
682 Weyers Cave Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486

The public comment period closes 10 days after the meeting (May 31, 2025). 

A Citizen Information Meeting for this project was held September 10, 2024.

Resources

Public Meeting Displays - see Documents & Materials below

Contact Information:
David Robinson, P.E.
david.robinson@vdot.virginia.gov
540-332-7758

UPC: 124294

Lat/Long:

38.25324, -78.95280 (Southbound deceleration lane)
38.24973, -78.95589 (Southbound acceleration lane)
38.25287, -78.95251 (Northbound acceleration lane)

Locality: Augusta County / VDOT Staunton District

Translation assistance: For translation assistance, please call the VDOT Staunton District Office at 540-332-9075. More information on Translation services can be acccessed here.