UPDATE: ALL LANES REOPENED 

February 24, 2025, News Release

STAUNTON – (6:45 p.m.) All lanes of northbound and southbound Interstate 81 have reopened in Augusta County, following Monday morning’s tractor trailer crash near mile marker 210.7. The crash required offloading and hazmat cleanup of the tanker-truck’s cargo and fuel. Interstate traffic was detoured between exit 205 and exit 213, but detours have since been lifted.

 Motorists using I-81 and Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) may experience lingering congestion this evening in southern Augusta County and northern Rockbridge County. 

Obtain traffic alerts and traveler information by dialing 511, visiting the 511 Virginia website or downloading the 511 mobile app. For other assistance, call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

 

GREENEVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – I-81 in both directions is shut down in Augusta County between milemarkers 205 at Steele’s Tavern and 213 at Greeneville because of a tractor-trailer crash involving a payload of ammonia. It happened around 10am, and VDOT expects the interstate to remain closed throughout the afternoon “due to hazmat and crash cleanup operations”.

Expect major delays on both I-81, as well as the alternate Route 11 in southern Augusta and northern Rockbridge counties and you’re urged to avoid the area if possible. Interstate traffic is being detoured as follows:

  • Northbound I-81 traffic detours at exit 205 (Raphine/Steeles Tavern) near the Augusta-Rockbridge county line. Northbound drivers will follow Route 606 (Raphine Road) east and then Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) north to rejoin the interstate at exit 213.
  • Southbound I-81 traffic detours at exit 213 (Greenville/Stuarts Draft). Southbound drivers will follow Route 11 south and then Route 606 west to rejoin the interstate at exit 205.

State Police say the tanker truck was heading southbound on Interstate 81 when the driver had a medical emergency. The tanker truck sideswiped another vehicle heading southbound on Interstate 81, then crossed into and crashed in the median. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The driver of the tanker truck was taken to an area hospital.