VA I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan

[VTGoose]

Some updates regarding this corridor: https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-news/roanoke-valley-news/governor-youngkin-pleased-with-briefing-on-i-81-project/

Except Youngkin had nothing to do with any of this. The program was set up by Gov. Northam, the increased gas tax in the counties I-81 passes through or affects was passed while Northam was in office, and some projects got a bump from Biden's infrastructure funds.
 

[sprjus4]

Some updates regarding this corridor: https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-news/roanoke-valley-news/governor-youngkin-pleased-with-briefing-on-i-81-project/

Except Youngkin had nothing to do with any of this. The program was set up by Gov. Northam, the increased gas tax in the counties I-81 passes through or affects was passed while Northam was in office, and some projects got a bump from Biden's infrastructure funds.
 

Except Youngkin is the current Governor? I don't recall him taking "credit" for these projects?

[bluecountry]

From my understanding, here's a recap of all the sections of I-81 that will be six lanes by 2035. This list does not include sections that will be widened in a single direction only. Sections italicized are already 6 lanes at the time of this posting.

Both directions:
MM 0 to MM 8 (Bristol)
MM 73 to MM 82 (I-77 overlap)
MM 116 to MM 150 (Christiansburg to Roanoke)
MM 221 to MM 226 (Staunton)
MM 234 to MM 238 (Weyers Cave)
MM 242 to MM 249 (Harrisonburg)
MM 314 to MM 318 (Winchester)

That comes out to 71 miles, or roughly 22% of the interstate's total length through Virginia.

By far the biggest project in this list is the widening of I-81 between Christiansburg and Roanoke to six lanes. This portion carries the highest volumes of I-81 and features significant elevation change which causes frequent rolling slowdowns with trucks.

Currently, only some portions of this section has been improved, while the majority remains only 4 lanes. MM 141 to MM 143 was widened to six lanes a few years back, and MM 137 to MM 141 is currently under construction to extend that six lanes a few more miles south. Closer to Christiansburg, MM 128 to MM 119 has been fully widened to three lanes in the southbound direction. Around the US-460 bypass interchange (118), a roughly 3.5 mile portion was reconstructed in the early 2000s and can fully accommodate a six-lane cross section with a simple restriping.

Over the next 10 years, two major projects will widen the remainder of this corridor to six lanes, beginning south/west of US-460 in Christiansburg, along with a third project that will widen 7 miles north of I-581 to US-220 Alt (MM 150) to six lanes. The I-581 interchange itself though will remain 2 through lanes in each direction and not be modified.

Outside of the proposed complete 6 lane portions by 2035, two more sections are already being discussed which would add roughly 7-8 more miles of 6 lanes. These would be MM 195 to MM 200 in both directions, and MM 298 to MM 300 northbound - which would supplement the currently under construction southbound widening in that area and complete that section to 6 lanes. No word for when those projects may be funded or constructed, but schematics can be found under the October 2, 2023 in person meeting: https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/advisory/

Well seeing progress on all these portions is great, especially that Christiansburg to Roanoke project, which might be the largest single grouping of projects the I-81 corridor in Virginia has ever seen, outside of its initial construction, it's still important to realize I-81 is 325 miles long in Virginia, and the vast majority still remains 4 lanes and will continue to do so for the next 20+ years unless VDOT accelerates these projects and becomes willing to widen sections in 10-20 mile increments as opposed to a massive construction zone for 5 years just to finish some 3 mile stretch in various areas. Their slow pace with this, along with recent bridge reconstructions such as Exit 114 in Christiansburg that leave no room for expansion, tells me VDOT is content with a 4 lane interstate for 80% of the corridor.

Big mistake not improving the I-66/81 and US 48 section.

[froggie]

Big mistake not improving the I-66/81 and US 48 section.

If you happen to look upthread, that section will be getting a 3rd southbound lane.

[bluecountry]

Big mistake not improving the I-66/81 and US 48 section.

If you happen to look upthread, that section will be getting a 3rd southbound lane.

For the entire length from 48 to 66?

[74/171FAN]

Big mistake not improving the I-66/81 and US 48 section.

If you happen to look upthread, that section will be getting a 3rd southbound lane.

For the entire length from 48 to 66?

Yes based on the map. (https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/)

[bluecountry]

Big mistake not improving the I-66/81 and US 48 section.

If you happen to look upthread, that section will be getting a 3rd southbound lane.

For the entire length from 48 to 66?

Yes based on the map. (https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/)

1.  Should be both ways.
2.  From 66 to 48 should be a c/d.

[sprjus4]

It is on their radar ^

Outside of the proposed complete 6 lane portions by 2035, two more sections are already being discussed which would add roughly 7-8 more miles of 6 lanes. (...)  MM 298 to MM 300 northbound - which would supplement the currently under construction southbound widening in that area and complete that section to 6 lanes. No word for when those projects may be funded or constructed, but schematics can be found under the October 2, 2023 in person meeting: https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/advisory/

[Crown Victoria]

Recent travel on I-81 in Virginia got me curious about the status of the improvement program. It turns out there was recently a meeting of the I-81 Advisory Committee, with some updates:

-Previously, only northbound I-81 between MP 128-137 was slated for widening in the near future. Southbound I-81 in this area was to be completed at a later date. These projects are now advancing together and should start construction in 2025 or 2026 (MP 137-141 is currently being widened.)

-Northbound I-81 from MP 116-128 will follow the completion of MP 128-137. Southbound here is already 3 lanes.

-Various projects to widen both directions of I-81 from MP 190 (I-64 West) to MP 195, as well as southbound I-81 from MP 205 to MP 195, are planned. Northbound I-81 is already 3 lanes from MP 195-MP 202.

-Northbound I-81 from MP 298-MP 300 is planned. Southbound I-81 here is about to begin construction.

-Due to increased funding from state budget surpluses and federal earmarks, there is an opportunity to complete already planned work more quickly and to add new projects to the 64 already included in the CIP. These new projects will be developed through 2025 and presented for approval at an Advisory Committee meeting toward the end of 2025. One such project mentioned in the minutes involves widening I-81 from MP 318 to the WV line.

https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/advisory/advisory-committee/