SALEM – Drivers now have a third lane to use on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound between exits 137 to 141 in Roanoke County and Salem.
The I-81 widening project includes additional benefits and features such as:
New bridges over Route 112 (Wildwood Road), Route 635 (Goodwin Avenue) and Route 619 (Wildwood Road)
Wider bridges over Route 311 (Thompson Memorial Drive) at Exit 140
Intersection improvements at the southbound exit 137 off-ramp and Wildwood Road
New interchange lighting at exits 137, 140 and 141
Acceleration and deceleration lanes improved
About 2.6 miles of new sound barrier walls along the northbound lanes
The five-mile stretch widening the interstate from two to three lanes is a part of $179 million design-build project. Construction started in early 2022 and was the first widening project of the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP).
This now means drivers have three travel lanes in each direction of I-81 between exit 137 and exit 143 (Interstate 581).
“VDOT would like to thank drivers for their patience during this construction project. As we continue to make improvements to enhance safety and operations along the I-81 Corridor, please continue to be patient and drive the speed limit within work zones so that everyone can return home to their families every night,” said Dave Covington, I-81 program delivery director for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Work to finish several features including landscaping, sign installation and slopes is ongoing. Lane closures will continue to be necessary for crews to safely complete these project elements, which will benefit surrounding communities and local travelers.
This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) to unlock I-81 by enhancing safety and reliability, reducing congestion and supporting economic growth. The $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along the 325 miles of I-81 in Virginia. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.
This content is sourced from
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
