SALEM, Va. (AP) — A vehicle fire on Interstate 81 in southwest Virginia has forced the two northbound lanes to be closed for emergency asphalt repairs.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says the fire occurred about 5 a.m. Friday near mile marker 167 in Botetourt County, heavily damaging the asphalt. Only the right shoulder of the northbound lanes remains open, causing a significant traffic backup. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area until repairs are finished.

VDOT says the right lane is expected to be reopened by noon, with the left lane being repaired after that.

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