VDOT hosts Oct. 15 Harrisonburg meeting on I-81 widening

The widening project will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and increase reliability along I-81 by adding a third travel lane in each direction between mile markers 242.0 and 248.8. The project also replaces the Pleasant Valley Road bridge over I-81 and constructs a new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road, Early Road and Abbott Lane.

The public is invited to stop in any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to learn about current and upcoming construction activities, view project display boards and maps, and talk with members of the project team.

Construction on the I-81 Harrisonburg widening began in spring 2026 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2032. Visit vdot.virginia.gov/81Harrisonburg for construction and traffic updates and to sign up for digital newsletters.

The project is being constructed under a $219 million contract as part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). Other major CIP projects in the VDOT Staunton District include:

• Staunton-area widening (scheduled for completion in summer 2027)
• Weyers Cave truck-climbing lanes (scheduled for completion in late 2027)
• Strasburg-area widening (scheduled for completion in fall 2028)
• Winchester-area widening (construction starts in 2028)

The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.