Virginia highway officials intend to close seven rest areas on Interstate 81 late next month and leave seven open, two of which double as welcome centers.

Those closing on July 20 or 21 include the northbound Radford and southbound Troutville stops on I-81.

Those staying open include the northbound Ironto and the southbound Radford stops on I-81.

The changes were approved earlier today by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. They are a response to a drop in taxes on gasoline and auto sales and other segments of the transportation sector.