DOT Loan to Support I-81 Improvements

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an $89.7 million loan for the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board. This loan will support capacity and safety improvement projects on I-81, including the addition of dedicated truck climbing lanes, extension of exit ramps and replacement of aging bridges.

In response to this loan announcement, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released the following statement:

“As part of my travels across the more than 10,000 square miles of Virginia’s Ninth District, I understand the traveling frustrations and hazards that come with I-81.

“Capacity and safety improvements will lead to reduced traffic congestion and fewer accidents.

“This DOT loan for nearly $90 million will help the Commonwealth Transportation Board deliver much needed improvements to a major U.S. highway.”

BACKGROUND

As it relates to transportation safety improvements in the Ninth District, Congressman Griffith recently signed a letter of support for Virginia Tech research projects aimed at improving safety measures on local roads.