Governor Glenn Youngkin announced significant progress in enhancing safety and reducing congestion along Interstate 81 in Virginia. The Commonwealth has made substantial investments to improve the reliability of this crucial corridor, which spans 325 miles and is vital for economic growth.
“From Winchester to Bristol, Interstate 81 is the backbone of western Virginia, playing a critical role in supporting our state’s economy,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We’re making unprecedented investments in the 325 miles of Interstate 81 which run through the Commonwealth, accelerating critical widening and safety projects to completion, while making a real difference for the people who drive this corridor and depend on it as an economic engine for the region. I’m proud of the collective work with the General Assembly over the last three and a half years to allocate an additional $245 million towards Interstate 81 improvements.”
The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), valued at nearly $4 billion, supports numerous construction projects and upgrades. Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III emphasized that these efforts are a priority: “Advancing the $4 billion Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program has been a top priority of Governor Youngkin’s administration,” he said.
Of the 65 planned construction projects, 37 have been completed. These include truck-climbing lanes, curve improvements, and merge-lane extensions at various interchanges. Current projects involve additional travel lanes near several cities and interchange improvements.
“We have not seen this level of construction along I-81 since the interstate was built more than 50 years ago,” said Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen C. Brich.
Senator Mark D. Obenshain expressed his support for ongoing safety enhancements: “A lot of safety improvements are happening on Interstate 81,” he said. Delegate Terry L. Austin added: “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished with Governor Youngkin to deliver these historic investments that are making travel along the I-81 Corridor safer, more reliable, and more efficient.”
Construction on major widening projects will commence by early 2026 in areas such as Roanoke and Harrisonburg, with all current CIP projects scheduled for completion by 2035.
This year includes a comprehensive study to identify further needs along I-81. Public meetings from July 14-17 will gather input on crash data and potential solutions.
For more details on current plans and studies related to I-81, visit Improve81.org.
