The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has scheduled a series of public meetings from July 14 to July 17 to discuss potential improvements along Interstate 81 in Virginia. These meetings are part of the second round, focusing on potential solutions within the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan (CIP). An online survey will also be available for public input.
The first round of the I-81 CIP combined traffic data with online public feedback to identify safety and congestion issues across the 325-mile corridor. The second round aims to address potential improvements for interstate segments with high crash rates or significant traffic delays. This study does not include areas where widenings or truck-climbing lanes have been recently completed or are under development.
Public meetings will begin with a brief presentation followed by an open-house period, allowing attendees to view display boards and interact with the I-81 CIP study team. The schedule is as follows:
– Monday, July 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave
– Tuesday, July 15, from 4-6 p.m. at Shenandoah University, Winchester
– Wednesday, July 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn, Bristol
– Thursday, July 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Salem Civic Center
An online survey will be available from July 14 to July 28 on the Improve81 Study Page. Comments can also be submitted via email at va81corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov or by postal mail to Robert J. Williams at VDOT’s Richmond office.
A third round of public input is planned for fall 2025 as the I-81 CIP study team refines recommended improvements. The full study is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for developing a corridor plan that addresses current and future transportation needs on I-81.
This study is part of the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program (IOEP), which aims to improve safety and travel flow along interstate corridors through operational and capital improvements.
