The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a contract on April 22 to widen approximately three miles of Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and Salem, covering the area from mile marker 133.8 to exit 137. Construction for this segment is expected to begin in spring 2027.
The $237.75 million contract was given to Triton Construction, Inc. of Virginia. More than 50,000 vehicles travel this section of I-81 each day, highlighting the importance of improvements along this corridor.
This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support economic growth in the region. The larger improvement effort will cover nine miles between exit 128 in Montgomery County and exit 137 in Roanoke County/Salem by expanding both northbound and southbound lanes from two lanes to three lanes. The full nine-mile project is scheduled for completion by fall 2035 and includes bridge replacements, ramp improvements, installation of concrete barrier walls, and construction of sound walls where needed.
“We are excited to begin the final design and construction of this critical portion of Interstate 81 to improve safety and reliability for motorists,” said Dave Covington, I-81 program delivery director for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “This three-mile segment is another key advancement as we continue to complete a three-lane interstate from Christiansburg to Troutville. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Triton/RDA team to deliver this project.”
Ken King, district engineer for VDOT’s Salem District said: “We look forward to construction starting on the first of three segments on this section of I-81. Widening this section is a major step forward for the Roanoke-Blacksburg region. This investment will make travel safer and help keep people and goods moving reliably for years to come.”
Other significant projects under CIP currently underway include widening from exits 137-141 in Roanoke County/Salem (scheduled completion late summer 2026) and work between exits 143-150 in Roanoke and Botetourt counties (scheduled completion summer 2031). The nearly $4 billion CIP covers a total of sixty-five construction projects plus operational upgrades along I-81 throughout Virginia.
According to the official website, VDOT’s purpose centers on building, maintaining, and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges, and tunnels as part of its commitment toward a safe transportation system. VDOT manages one of America’s largest state highway systems spanning tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia according to its official website. Services provided include highway maintenance; traffic management through systems like Virginia 511; oversight over land-use permits; planning; construction; maintenance; as well as historical development since its origin as State Highway Commission in 1906 according to the agency. VDOT’s headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official site.
