Rockbridge County: VDOT to widen Interstate 81 from two lanes to three

Interstate 81 southbound in Rockbridge County will be widened to three lanes between Raphine and Fairfield at a price tag of $116 million.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will offer an open house next month to get feedback on the plans which will take place on 5.3 miles between mile marker 205 and 200.

The widening will occur toward the median and will include the replacement of the southbound I-81 bridge over Route 710 (Sterrett Road) at exit 200. The existing bridge is two lanes wide and will be widened to three lanes.

The estimated cost for this project includes $7.8 million for preliminary engineering, $483,000 for right of way and $108.3 million for construction. Construction is scheduled to start in 2028.

The open house will take place on Feb. 17 at Fairfield Elementary School from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Residents are welcome to discuss the project one-on-one with VDOT officials and designers.

Written comments may be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days of the open house to Tracey Bowman, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029.

Oral comments will be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.

The project is part of a $4 billion I-81 Corridor Improvement Program that includes 65 construction projects and other operational improvements to enhance safety and reduce congestion.