Contract Awarded to Widen I-81

The Commonwealth Transportation Board at its April 22 meeting in Fredericksburg awarded a contract to widen about three miles of Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and Salem between mile marker 133.8 to exit 137. Construction of this segment is expected to begin in spring 2027.

The contract for $237.75 million was awarded to Triton Construction, Inc. of Virginia. More than 50,000 vehicles use this stretch of I-81 every day.

The project is funded by the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) which enhances safety, reduces congestion and unlocks the region for further economic growth.

The planned 3.2-mile project is part of a larger improvement project along nine miles of I-81 northbound and southbound near Ironto, which includes three separate segments:

• Segment N: Mile marker 133.8 to exit 137 (contract awarded)
• Segment M: Mile markers 131 to 133.8 with construction expected to start in 2028
• Segment S: Exit 128 to mile marker 131 with construction expected to start late 2027/early 2028

The purpose of this project is to increase capacity and improve safety by widening nine miles of Interstate 81 from two lanes to three lanes in both directions between exit 128 in Montgomery County and exit 137 in Roanoke County/Salem. The entire nine-mile project is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2035. The project also includes replacing bridges, improving ramps, installing concrete barrier walls and constructing sound walls in some locations.

“We are excited to begin the final design and construction of this critical portion of Interstate 81 to improve safety and reliability for motorists,” said Dave Covington, I-81 program delivery director for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “This three-mile segment is another key advancement as we continue to complete a three-lane interstate from Christiansburg to Troutville. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Triton/RDA team to deliver this project.”

“We look forward to construction starting on the first of three segments on this section of I-81,” said Ken King, district engineer for VDOT’s Salem District. “Widening this section is a major step forward for the Roanoke-Blacksburg region. This investment will make travel safer and help keep people and goods moving reliably for years to come.”

Other major I-81 CIP projects currently underway in the VDOT Salem District include:

• Roanoke County/Salem widening from exits 137-141 (scheduled for completion in late summer 2026)
• Widening in Roanoke and Botetourt counties from exits 143-150 (scheduled for completion in summer 2031)

The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along 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.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.