By Lori IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN AT I-81 EXITS IN SHENANDOAH AND FREDERICK COUNTIES STAUNTON– Construction is under way for ramp improvements at three interchanges along Interstate 81 in Shenandoah and Frederick counties. The upgrades include extension of acceleration or deceleration lanes (on- or off-ramps) at the following exits: Exit 291 (Toms Brook) – Acceleration lane from Route 651 (Mount Olive Road) onto northbound I-81. Exit 296 (Strasburg) – Acceleration lane from Route 55/48 (John Marshall Highway) onto southbound I-81. Mile Marker 304 (commercial truck weigh station) – Deceleration lane from northbound I-81 into the truck scales facility. This week contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation began preliminary work at all three interchanges. Overnight lane or ramp closures are possible during installation and removal of concrete barriers along the right shoulders at each interchange. Digital message signs will alert drivers to specific ramp closures and detour routes as needed.