Southbound I-81 widening in Bristol completed

BRISTOL, Va. – The new three-lane portion of I-81 southbound in Bristol is open to traffic, providing motorists with improved traffic flow along this busy stretch of interstate in Southwest Virginia.

The $38 million I-81 widening project was 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.

Separate from the widening is a project to replace a bridge over I-81 northbound at Old Dominion Road, which began in late 2025. The northbound bridge replacement project, which is anticipated to be completed in May 2027, is funded through VDOT’s State of Good Repair program and is also being constructed by W-L Construction & Paving, Inc.

Be alert to small finishing item projects during overnight hours in the coming weeks.