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VDOT in final phase of planning for Interstate 81 improvement projects

Crystal Graham
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Photo: © Eli Wilson/Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

The Virginia Department of Transportation is in the final phase of completing an Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Plan which should be completed some time this year.

As the final phase of developing the CIP, VDOT will host a series of public meetings Oct. 27-30 in Abington, Salem, Weyers Cave and Winchester.

VDOT has already received public input on safety and congestion issues along the entire 325-mile corridor and shared potential solutions to crash-prone areas and traffic delays. During this round, VDOT would like to refine the solutions and present a prioritized list of projects.

The public meeting will begin with a brief presentation followed by an open-house period, allowing participants to view display boards and ask questions of the study team.

VDOT completed a similar study on I-81 in 2018, which resulted in the advancement of 65 construction projects currently valued at approximately $4 billion.

The accompanying online survey, which has a translation tool for multiple languages, will be available from Oct. 27 to Nov. 9 on the Improve81 study page. Comments can also be sent to [email protected] or by mail to Robert J. Williams, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1221 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

This study is being conducted as part of the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program, which is intended to improve safety, reliability and travel flow along interstate highway corridors in the Commonwealth through the development and funding of operational and capital improvements.

VDOT CIP meeting schedule


  • Abington: Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m., Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Circle
  • Salem: Oct. 28, from 5-7 p.m., Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard
  • Augusta County:  Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m., Blue Ridge Community College, Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center, One College Lane, Weyers Cave
  • Winchester: Oct. 30, from 5-7 p.m., Shenandoah University, Brandt Student Center, 1460 University Drive

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

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