Recently Completed: I-81 Exit 150 Improvement Project

The I-81 Exit 150 improvement project has been designed to improve the safety and traffic flow at the existing intersection and associated northbound movements from and to Interstate 81 that have a direct impact on routes 11, 220 and 220A.

The improvement project entails the following: 

• Relocating the northbound I-81 entrance ramp (from northbound Route 220 onto northbound I-81) to a new location adjacent to the Exit 150B off-ramp
• Creating a dedicated Exit 150B off-ramp with NB Route 220 to improve traffic flow at the Route 11/220/220A intersection
• Modifying Exit 150A to allow right turns onto Route 11 southbound only and eliminating hazardous merge/weaves
• Constructing a roundabout at the Exit150B/Route 11 (click here to see the roundabout design) intersection to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and increase capacity
• Building a new road, Gateway Crossing, to connect the new Route 11 roundabout to Route 220 Alternate
• Modifying business access on Route 11 by installing a raised median and reducing the number of entrances
• Modifying the entrances onto Route 11 as right-in/right-out only
• Acquiring the Travel Center America property and a portion of the Painter parcel which contains the business tenant known as Gene’s Trading Post is being acquired which necessitates the relocation of this business.

Driving Through the Roundabout

The exit 150 roundabout is a multilane roundabout that has two lanes as the driver approaches from the I-81 exit ramp. Drivers should use the right lane to turn right at the first exit point of the roundabout and use the inside lane to go half way or three-quarters of the way around the roundabout. When driving through the roundabout, motorists should follow these tips:

• Slow down and yield to all traffic within the roundabout.
• Select your lane as you approach the roundabout.
• To enter the roundabout, yield to cars already within the intersection and wait for a gap in traffic.
• Do not change lanes within the roundabout.
• Once you are in the roundabout, use your turn signal as you prepare to exit the roundabout.
• Be sure to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists as you approach the roundabout and within the crosswalks.
• Pay close attention and follow signs and pavement markings that will guide them through the roundabout and interchange.
• Be patient with others as drivers in the area learn to acclimate to the new traffic changes.

Why a Roundabout?

• Allows two lanes from 150B Exit Ramp to Gateway Crossing
• Geometry is designed for truck traffic
• Enhanced safety
  • 35% Reduction in Crashes
  • 76% Reduction in Injuries
  • Reduction in severity of crashes
  • Slower speeds are generally safer for pedestrians
• Intersection Efficiency
  • Easy access to and from I-81
  • Increased Traffic Capacity with the elimination of left turns
  • Reduced delay with no stopping at a traffic signal
• Environmental
  • Reduction of air pollution
  • Decrease in fuel consumption
• Additional lighting and landscaping
• Gateway into Botetourt County
• Low Construction and Maintenance Costs
• U-Turns are Allowed

Benefits 

Improving safety and creating a more efficient flow of traffic are benefits of this project.