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 to study to develop a Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP) for the entire length of the Interstate 81 corridor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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.
The first stage of the study will identify 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 will share a virtual survey and ask participants to use an interactive map to provide information regarding the locations and types of issues they experience on the corridor. The online survey with interactive map is available here.
The study team will present potential solutions during a second round of public outreach in summer 2025. This will take 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.
The public can provide comments to the study team in the following ways:
Feedback provided by members of communities, industries and other stakeholders were considered as team members finalize a draft plan report following the completion of the study. The team and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) reported findings to the General Assembly in December, prior to the opening of Session in January 2019.
Last updated: March 31, 2025
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