Roanoke region and NRV widening projects

• Replacing or widening of multiple bridges, either on the interstate or on overpasses
  • In the three projects from Exit 128 to Exit 150, a total of 28 bridges will be replaced and two will be widened.

• Noise barriers reduce noise for properties close to the interstate. Sound that reaches a noise barrier is either reflected or absorbed by the noise barrier.
  • In the three projects from Exit 128 to Exit 150, approximately 9 miles of noise barriers will be constructed.

• Entrance ramps, exit ramps, and interchanges along the projects' paths will be improved for safety and traffic flow.
  
  • In the three projects from Exit 128 to Exit 150, there are seven interchanges affected. Improvements are being made to several ramps associated with these interchanges in which the acceleration and/or deceleration lanes are being lengthened.

• Concrete barrier walls between northbound and southbound travel lanes enhance safety by providing a physical barrier that can reduce severity of crashes. 
  
  • In the three projects from Exit 128 to Exit 150, concrete barrier walls will be used along narrow median sections.

• The widening projects require comprehensive environmental and regulatory approvals related to noise studies, stormwater management, threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, wetlands and stream impacts, etc.

• To minimize impact on the traveling public, two lanes of I-81 traffic in each direction will remain open during the projects with periodic lane closures scheduled during nighttime hours or outside of peak travel times as needed.

• Large-scale projects depend on specialized contractors and subcontractors and must be coordinated years in advance.

• Consideration must be given to the right-of-way required for projects.
  • Projects seek to widen to the inside when feasible and appropriate, which helps minimize right-of-way impacts.

This project will increase capacity and improve safety on I-81 between exits 143 and 150. These improvements are intended to reduce crashes, lessen delays and enhance crash response times and is expected to be completed in summer 2031.

One of the largest and most complex projects in the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program is the northbound and southbound widening between exits 143 and 150. This video shows details of the project in Roanoke and Botetourt counties.

The sounds of a work zone on I-81 in the Salem area of Roanoke County emanated in this video stress the importance of work zone awareness. While driving through their office, remember to slow down, pay attention and don’t drive distracted. They rely on others to keep them safe. Work zones are temporary, but actions behind the wheel can last forever.

The first major widening project in the Improve81 program takes place in Salem and Roanoke County between Exit 137 and Exit 141. This project includes numerous bridge replacements and interchange improvements.