VDOT Public Hearing on I-81 Widening: September 19 at 5:00 at the Lord Botetourt High School

VDOT will be holding a design public hearing on September 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lord Botetourt High School (located at 1435 Roanoke Road, Daleville), on an upcoming project to widen I-81 from two to three lanes in both directions along a seven-mile stretch between Exit 143 in Roanoke County and Exit 150 in Botetourt County. The hearing will be an open house format, and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions.

The project is expected to include:

• The replacement of eight bridges on I-81
• The installation of approximately 8,500 feet of sound barrier along the northbound lanes
• The realignment of two ramps and removal of one ramp at exit 150
• A change and/or break in limited access

This expansion from two to three lanes along this stretch is expected to expand the capacity of this corridor and reduce crashes. More information about the project can be found at virginiadot.org/I81exit143to150.

Comments about the project may be submitted at the hearing, or until September 29, 2023 to Craig Moore, Project Manager, 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem VA 24153. Comments may also be emailed to I81-Exit143-150@vdot.virginia.gov, with the reference “I-81 Exits 143 to 150 Widening Public Comment” in the subject heading. Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting can contact Craig Moore at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623, TTY/TDD 711.

This project is part of the ongoing 10+ year plan to improve Interstate 81 under the $2 billion I-81 Corridor Improvement Program signed into law in 2019. Additional information about the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program is available at Improve81.org.

Learn more about the Interstate 81 Developments, Impacts, and Updates here.