The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has initiated a study aimed at enhancing the Interstate 81 corridor. This study, part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP), will examine the entirety of the interstate’s 325 miles in Virginia. The initial phase focuses on identifying safety and congestion issues along the corridor.
VDOT is gathering public feedback to verify if recent traffic-data analysis matches what drivers actually experience on the corridor. This period for public engagement, lasting until April 15, includes a survey with an interactive map for the public to indicate problem locations on the corridor.
The survey, which offers a translation tool for several languages, can be accessed at https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/resources/corridor-improvement-plan/. Comments are also welcome via email at va81corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov or by postal mail to Robert J. Williams, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
Moving forward, the next phase of the study will utilize traffic data and survey results to propose recommendations for improving the problem areas recognized in the initial phase. Public input on these recommendations will be solicited during in-person meetings this summer, and again in the fall for further refinement. Completion of the full study is anticipated by the end of 2025.
This study is part of the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program (IOEP), designed to enhance safety, reliability, and travel flow on interstate highways in Virginia through operational and capital improvements.
