New roundabout opens in Botetourt this weekend

Changes part of I-81 Exit 150 Improvement Project

BOTETOURT COUNTY – If you're driving through Botetourt this weekend you'll notice major traffic changes at the region's busiest intersection.The Virginia Department of Transportation is debuting a new roundabout at exit 150 on interstate 81 in Botetourt County. The interchange opened late Saturday night.

The construction project includes a new roundabout, northbound on-ramp to Interstate 81 and the dedicated turn lane to northbound Route 220 from I-81.
     
Jen Ward, a spokesperson for VDOT says the improvements are designed to take more speed, larger vehicles and move traffic more consistently.

VDOT says the new project will result in a 35 percent reduction in crashes and ease traffic congestion.     

VDOT is reminding to drivers to pay close attention to signs and pavement markings that will guide them through the roundabout.
     
It ask drivers to slow down and be patient as others learn to acclimate to the new traffic changes. 

VDOT listed these changes to lookout for with the new roundabout:


•    A new roundabout will connect Route 11, Gateway Crossing and I-81 northbound to enhance traffic flow and increase capacity at the interchange.

•    A new ramp from Route 11 onto northbound I-81 will be open and accessible through the roundabout. The northbound on-ramp to I-81 directly from Route 220 will close.

•    Drivers exiting I-81 northbound onto exit 150B towards Daleville and Fincastle will use the new dedicated right turn lane onto northbound Route 220 to accommodate the heaviest traffic movement at the Route 11/220/220A intersection. To allow for free-flowing traffic to move from the off-ramp onto northbound Route 220, this dedicated right lane will not have a signal.

•    The new signals previously installed at the Route 11/220/220A intersection will be active.

•    A detour for southbound Route 11 will be in place as the next phase of the project begins. Southbound Route 11 between the roundabout and the intersection of Route 11/220/220A will be closed to traffic. Drivers needing access to southbound Route 11 will use the roundabout to detour through Gateway Crossing to continue southbound.
 


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