RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Sandy Myers (540) 332-9201 Sandy.Myers@vdot.virginia.gov Cellular: (540) 292-2500

STA-071 April 20, 2008

ALL LANES OPEN ON I-81 NORTHBOUND IN SHENANDOAH COUNTY
Ten mile back-up reported

STAUNTON – As of 12:15 p.m. today all lanes are now open at a tractor trailer accident site on Interstate 81 northbound in Shenandoah County at mile marker 296. This is near exit 296 at Route 55 in Strasburg. The VDOT Staunton Traffic Management Center is reporting a 10 mile back up, but anticipates this should be cleared by 1 p.m.

I-81 northbound lanes were closed at this location due to the truck splitting open, spilling its contents in one of the travel lanes, according to reports from the VDOT Staunton Traffic Management Center.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.