I-81 Bristol: Widening extends until spring 2026; bridge replacement coming in December

BRISTOL — A project to widen I-81 in Bristol will wrap up this spring, and a project to replace a bridge over I-81 northbound at Old Dominion Road is beginning in December.

The project to widen a portion of I-81 in the Bristol and Washington County area is near the finish line but will extend into early 2026 when Spring paving season begins.

The $38 million I-81 widening project is being constructed by W-L Construction & Paving, Inc., Chilhowie, and began in January 2024. This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) to unlock I-81 by enhancing safety and reliability, reducing congestion and supporting economic growth.

The project widens southbound I-81 to three lanes between exits 10 and 7, as well as widening the southbound bridge over Old Dominion Road. The project also widens to three lanes one mile of northbound I-81 between exit 7 and the bridge over Old Dominion Road.  

The $3 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along the 325 miles of I-81 in Virginia.

In December, replacement and widening of the I-81 northbound bridge over Old Dominion Road will begin. It is anticipated to be completed by May 2027. The $9.3 million bridge replacement project is funded through VDOT’s State of Good Repair program and will also be constructed by W-L Construction & Paving, Inc. 

This bridge work will create the need for the signals controlling one-way traffic on Old Dominion Road to remain for the life of the project.

“Replacing the bridge over Old Dominion Road is important to ensuring the safety of our interstate bridges, which in some instances are over 60 years old and are reaching the end of their useful lifespan,” Bristol District Construction Engineer Robert Baker, P.E., said. “We understand the inconvenience posed to those who use Old Dominion Road, and we will work diligently to move the project forward in a timely manner.”

When complete, the projects will provide a safer and more modern transportation system for the region.