Work on the New River Bridge replacement project is underway. The new bridge over the New River will be built in the median parallel to the existing structure, so two lanes of traffic can be maintained in each direction on I-81 during construction.
Drivers can expect periodic lane closures on Interstate 81 while the Route 232 bridge and deceleration lanes are under construction. Drivers will also see some activity on the shoulders as equipment is brought in to begin construction. Ramp and lane closures may be in place periodically.
The current northbound Interstate 81 bridge over the New River is located at the Montgomery and Pulaski county line at mile marker 105. The Route 232 bridge over I-81 is located at exit 105 (Radford) and crosses over the Interstate.
The primary purpose of this project is to:
- replace the northbound bridge and widen the shoulders and approach to the bridge on Interstate 81 at the New River
- reconstruct the Route 232 overpass to accommodate widening of the interstate
- improve northbound deceleration lane lengths by adding an extended deceleration lane that will provide an additional factor of safety for traffic entering or exiting from Interstate 81.
The project began in winter 2016 and the project is expected to be completed in late 2020. The contract was awarded to Vecellio and Grogan Inc. from Beckley, West Virginia.
— Courtesy of City of Radford
