Major design features for improvements to Interstate 81 at the Abrams Creek area in Frederick County have been approved by Virginia Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Malcolm T. Kerley, P.E.

The proposed improvements will extend the existing northbound ramp acceleration lane at Exit 313 across Abrams Creek. The improvements would add a new bridge east of the existing northbound mainline and extend the acceleration lane to 1,025 feet with a 300-foot taper. Also, the intersection of the northbound lane entrance ramp and Route 50/17/522 will be improved with additional lanes and updated signals.

The southbound on-ramp loop will be eliminated. All traffic entering the I-81 southbound lanes from this interchange will use the existing southbound ramp on the west side of the Route 50/17/522 bridge. The turn and taper lane from I-81 south to Route 50/17/522 would be lengthened.

The average daily traffic in 2000 on the northbound ramp was 13,060 vehicles per day. This traffic count is anticipated to increase to 21,750 vehicles per day by 2010.

The total estimated cost for the design and construction of the project is $8,927,800. The estimate consists of $901,000 for engineering; $19,800 for right of way acquisition and relocation assistance; and $8,007,000 for construction. Project funding will consist of 80 percent federal money and 20 percent state money.

The proposed changes will not displace any families, businesses or non-profit organizations.


Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: May 19, 2005