A project to widen a section of Interstate 81 in the Bristol and Washington County area is expected to continue into early 2026, with paving work scheduled for the spring. The $38 million widening effort, which began in January 2024, is being carried out by W-L Construction & Paving, Inc., based in Chilhowie. This initiative is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety and reliability, reduce congestion, and support economic growth along the interstate.
The current construction widens southbound I-81 to three lanes between exits 10 and 7 and expands the southbound bridge over Old Dominion Road. Additionally, one mile of northbound I-81 between exit 7 and the bridge over Old Dominion Road will also be widened to three lanes.
The broader CIP includes a total of $3 billion in funding for 65 construction projects and operational improvements across Virginia’s 325-mile stretch of I-81.
In December, work will begin on replacing and widening the northbound I-81 bridge over Old Dominion Road. The $9.3 million project is funded through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s State of Good Repair program and will also be managed by W-L Construction & Paving, Inc. Completion is anticipated by May 2027. During this period, signals controlling one-way traffic on Old Dominion Road will remain in place throughout the duration of construction.
Bristol District Construction Engineer Robert Baker, P.E., stated: “Replacing the bridge over Old Dominion Road is important to ensuring the safety of our interstate bridges, which in some instances are over 60 years old and are reaching the end of their useful lifespan. We understand the inconvenience posed to those who use Old Dominion Road, and we will work diligently to move the project forward in a timely manner.”