Emergency bridge work will lead to delays on I-81 through Easter

Drivers heading north on Interstate 81 should be prepared for major delays near the Virginia-West Virginia state line throughout Easter weekend.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is carrying out emergency bridge work where the interstate passes over Henshaw Road in West Virginia, closing the right lane of I-81.

This is about three miles north of the state line.

It's estimated that the lane closure will be in place 24 hours a day through Wednesday, April 4, meaning that the interstate will see serious delays as many Americans travel for Easter plans this weekend.

As of 11:45 a.m. on Friday, delays stretched about two and a half miles into Frederick County, Virginia.

You can expect additional congestion on Route 11 as many drivers seek alternate routes around the closure.

If you have to head north through the area, drivers can consider the following options other than the interstate:

• Interstate 66 or Route 7 to Route 340 northbound through Warren and Clarke counties

• I-81 exit 310 to Route 37 (Winchester bypass) to Route 522 northbound in Frederick County.

Message boards are set up along northbound I-81 as far south as Staunton and on westbound I-66 to warn drivers of the coming delays.