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I-81 Wythe County Project Bundles
About the Projects
In the area around the interchange of I-81 and I-77 in Wythe County, there are multiple projects within a small area. Five of the projects are I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) projects and one is a SMART SCALE project. To efficiently deliver the projects and enhance safety, the projects are placed in two bundles: the I-81/I-77 Wytheville Design-Bid Bundle and the Progress Park Connector Bundle.
I-81/I-77 Wytheville Design Build Bundle
- Construction Began: Late 2023
- Estimated Completion: Summer 2027
- Learn more on the project page:
More Information
- The project bundle includes multiple improvements where I-81 at Wytheville meets I-77 northbound toward West Virginia.
- The safety improvements will extend ramps and lanes to help with the transitions between I-81 and I-77. This includes extension of an auxiliary lane between I-77 SB and I-81 SB and extension of a deceleration lane at Exit 72 on I-81 northbound.
- The project includes the replacement of three bridge structures (two over Peppers Ferry Road and one over the I-77 interchange) for an improved roadway as well as easier and more affordable maintenance.
Progress Park Connector Bundle
- Construction Began: Late 2023
- Estimated Completion: Fall 2026
- Learn more on the project pages
More Information
- Improvements to I-77 exit 41 (Route 610 Peppers Ferry Rd.) will help traffic flow and minimize congestion at the interchange, including extension of a deceleration lane and improvements and reconfiguration of ramps.
- The addition of an auxiliary lane on I-81 SB between Exit 73 and Exit 72 creates additional space for merging and exiting traffic.
- The Progress Park Connector is a new 2.3-mile road, between Nye Road and E. Lee Trinkle Road, that provides a direct connection to Wytheville’s Progress Park industrial site. (SMART SCALE-funded project)
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Complexity of the Projects
The projects are much more than extra pavement. To improve interchanges between interstates and add connector roads, VDOT must account for many things, such as:
- Entrance ramps, exit ramps, and interchanges along the projects' paths will be improved for safety and traffic flow.
- The projects include multiple interchange improvements including a new auxiliary lane, extension of off and on ramps, and a new lane between an exit and I-81.
- Replacing multiple bridges
- The projects include replacement of three bridges over Peppers Ferry Road.
- The 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 be accomplished within both interstates current right-of-way when feasible and appropriate, to help minimize right-of-way impacts.
Watch Related Improve81 Videos
Watch videos from the Improve81 Video Series to learn more about these project bundles.
Interstate 81 benefits from the Corridor Improvement Program and Virginia's SMART SCALE program. See how they work together to enhance safety and traffic flow - sometimes with side-by-side projects - such as the Progress Park Connector bundle.
Many I-81 Corridor Improvement projects are being constructed using a design-build approach, including the I-81/I-77 improvements.
Discover more
Last updated: March 13, 2026
