---wide.jpg)
2025 Corridor Improvement Plan Update
Corridor Improvement Plan
Interstate 81 2025 Corridor Improvement Plan
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in partnership with the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), has initiated a study to develop a Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) for the entire length of the Interstate 81 corridor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This study excludes portions of the interstate where widenings or truck-climbing lanes were recently completed or are under development.
The study team appreciates the public feedback received in Round 1 (Issue Identification) and Round 2 (Potential Solutions). Round 2 consisted of four public meetings in July 2025 throughout the corridor. It identified potential improvements along I-81, focusing on segments with the highest rate and severity of crashes, or the most significant traffic delays.
Round 3 public outreach includes an online survey and in-person meetings throughout the I-81 corridor that occurred October 27-30, 2025. Round 3 presents refined solutions that have been prioritized using a SMART SCALE-like process. A link to the survey and public meeting materials are found below.
Round 3 online survey (Live October 27 to November 9, 2025)
The survey site includes a brief introductory video, as well as maps and descriptions of prioritized potential solutions along the I-81 corridor.
Engagement from motorists, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders is important for the team to develop a new corridor plan that effectively addresses the current and future transportation needs on I-81.
Round 3 public meeting displays and materials
The display boards and handout materials below were provided at the four public meetings in October 2025:
- I-81 CIP Round 3 Public Meeting Brochure
- I-81 CIP Round 3 Presentation
- I-81 CIP Round 3 Display Boards - Bristol District Maps (Set of 4 - Mile marker 0 to 87)
- I-81 CIP Round 3 Display Boards - Salem District Maps (Set of 4 - Mile marker 87 to 175)
- I-81 CIP Round 3 Display Boards - Staunton District Maps (Set of 7 - Mile marker 175 to 325)
- Staff Recommended Funding Scenario
- Prioritization of Potential Capital Improvements
- Potential Improvements Definitions
- I-81 is a Critical Transportation Corridor
Round 2 public meeting displays and materials
The display boards and handout materials below were provided at the four public meetings in July 2025:
- I-81 CIP Round 2 Public Meeting Brochure
- I-81 CIP Round 2 Display Boards - Bristol District Maps (Set of 4 - Mile marker 0 to 87)
- I-81 CIP Round 2 Display Boards - Salem District Maps (Set of 4 - Mile marker 87 to 175)
- I-81 CIP Round 2 Display Boards - Staunton District Maps (Set of 7 - Mile marker 175 to 325)
- I-81 CIP Round 2 Supplemental Display Boards
- I-81 2025 Corridor Improvement Plan - July Public Meetings Presentation
What's being done
The study team previously conducted a similar study, which was completed in 2018 and advanced 65 construction projects worth approximately $3 billion. Those projects are now in development, and many have already been completed.
With those projects well underway, the study team seeks to determine how traffic conditions have changed on the interstate, and which areas now need attention.
For the 2025 effort, the study team will again identify targeted improvements along I-81, focusing on segments that have the highest rate and severity of crashes, or the most significant traffic delays. The study excludes portions of the interstate where widenings or truck-climbing lanes were recently completed or are in development.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will receive briefings during the study time frame.
Public involvement
The first stage of the study identified possible issues along the corridor by combining traffic and safety data with virtual public engagement in spring 2025. During this engagement period, the study team shared a virtual survey and asked participants to use an interactive map to provide information regarding the locations and types of issues they experience on the corridor.
The study team presented potential solutions during a second round of public outreach in summer 2025. This took place during four in-person meetings spaced throughout the corridor.
The final round of corridor-wide public engagement is scheduled for fall 2025. They will help the study team refine their recommendations, which will be presented in late 2025 to the I-81 Advisory Committee and the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
VDOT will share details and schedules of public-input opportunities on this page, as well as through news releases and social-media outreach. Engagement from motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders is vital for developing a new corridor plan that effectively addresses I-81’s current and future needs.
Provide comments
The public can provide comments to the study team in the following ways:
- Complete a virtual survey during one of the public engagement periods.
- Provide verbal or written comments at an in-person meeting. The next round is set for fall 2025.
- Email va81CorridorPlan@vdot.virginia.gov.
- Contact VDOT Project Manager Rob Williams:
- Phone: 804-371-4868
- Mail: Attn: Robert J. Williams, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
Discover more
Last updated: October 31, 2025
