Program Overview

The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program is innovative, targeted improvements that will have a substantial effect on the safety and reliability of a critical portion of our nation's infrastructure.

As a critical north-south backbone of the East Coast’s freight network, the I-81 corridor is vital to the efficient movement of goods through Virginia. More than one-third of all trucks and nearly 50% of the state’s value of goods are transported along the 325-mile corridor. I-81 has the highest per capita truck volume in Virginia.

Within Virginia, I-81 connects 30 colleges and universities, 21 cities and towns and 13 counties, and parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. This program unlocks the interstate by supporting job growth and economic vitality while reducing congestion, enhancing safety and reliability, and improving quality of life.

How the program developed

What are the Program Improvements?

The 325-mile corridor spans across three VDOT districts in western Virginia: Bristol, Salem, and Staunton.

Localities along the corridor include:

Counties of Augusta, Botetourt, Frederick, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Smyth, Washington and Wythe.

Cities of Bristol, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Staunton, and Winchester.

There are 65 total program improvements that will consist of both operational and capital improvements. Some of these projects include additional traffic cameras to detect incidents, changeable message signs, lane extensions, curve improvements, as well as adding or widening lanes in some sections of the corridor.

For more details on specific program improvements, please visit the Planned Improvements page, Work Underway page or Work Completed page.

Bills Authorizing I-81 Corridor Improvement Program and Fund

• Senate Bill 1716
• House Bill 2718

FUNDING

In 2019 the General Assembly adopted legislation creating the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Fund. Revenues supporting the fund and improvements were identified from the following sources: