VDOT plans shutdown of I-81 N for emergency maintenance near Exit 257

The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 81 near Mauzy on Saturday night for what they're calling emergency maintenance.

According to a press release from VDOT, crews will first close the left northbound lane just past Exit 257, at what is technically mile marker 259, at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 for barrier removal.

That will clear the way for paving work, which will begin at 9 p.m.

As of 9 p.m. that night, all northbound lanes of the interstate will be closed at MM 258 for emergency paving that VDOT hopes to have completed by noon on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The pavement in the area was damaged by

early Thursday morning. That crash shut down the interstate for hours. The driver was uninjured, but was charged with reckless driving.

As VDOT crews work to repair the pavement in the area, which is just past Exit 257, northbound traffic will be re-routed on Exit 257 to bypass the maintenance scene.

Flaggers will be on scene at the intersection off the exit to assist northbound traffic in then crossing Route 11 and re-entering the interstate using the on ramp.

At the same time, southbound traffic using the Exit 257 off ramp will be guided by flaggers to enhance traffic flow on Route 11. The traffic signal at the intersection will be turned off throughout the work.

Drivers can expect serious delays in the area.

All work is weather permitting.