What Is The I-81 Improvement Program?

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What Is The I-81 Improvement Program?

The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program consists of innovative, targeted improvements that will have a substantial effect on the safety and reliability of a critical portion of our nation’s infrastructure. Within Virginia, I-81 connects 30 colleges and universities, 21 cities and towns and 13 counties, and parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, making this program critical to supporting job growth and economic vitality while reducing congestion, enhancing safety and reliability, and improving quality of life for everyone in our region. The 325-mile corridor spans three VDOT districts and also acts as a critical north-south backbone of the East Coast’s freight network. Nearly 50% of the state’s value of goods are transported along the corridor, which has the highest per capita truck volume in Virginia.

For more details on the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program and the lasting benefits it will bring to the Commonwealth of Virginia, visit our About the Program page.

Corridor Overview

Spotlight on progress

Newsletters

81 Insider provides updates on project construction, design, technology and more. Spring 2024 issue is available below.

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Spring 2024



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Podcasts

The Improve I-81 podcast follows the progress of the improvement projects along the I-81 corridor.

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Videos

Stay informed with our informational videos about the improvement projects along the I-81 corridor.

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What to Expect As...


During construction, drivers may be impacted. Here is what to know before you go.

Commuter

As a commuter, you may see a work zone that impacts your daily commute. Check the interactive corridor map for upcoming and current work in your area and plan an alternate route.

Truck Driver

As a truck driver, you may experience delays in work zones. Plan stops ahead of time and call 511 for more details of work happening along your route.

Visitor/Tourist

Welcome to Virginia’s I-81 Corridor! While we work to improve the interstate, you may experience slower traffic in work zones and other improvement areas. Look for digital message boards or call 511.

Business Owner

As a business owner, you may experience work zones near your exit. Check the interactive corridor map to see upcoming projects in your area and let your customers know about alternate routes.