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The Interstate 81 Advisory Committee is meeting at the Virginia Horse Center this Friday, Dec. 13, beginning at 1 p.m. The meeting will take place in the mezzanine of the Anderson Coliseum. There will be a designated time for public comment.
The meeting agenda and related documents and materials are available on Improve81.org, the dedicated website for the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program at the following link: Improve81.org - Advisory Committee. Following the meeting, a video of the proceedings will also be posted at this link.
The I-81 Advisory Committee is charged with providing advice and making recommendations to the Commonwealth Transportation Board regarding the development and updates to the I-81 CIP.
The $3 billion program includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along the 325 miles of I-81 in Virginia.”
Among the projects on the list for improvements in Rockbridge County is an acceleration northbound lane extension at Exit 188. This project, set to get underway in March and be completed by next December, has an estimated price tag of between $2 million and $3 million.
A future Rockbridge County project on the list is a widening of southbound lanes between Exit 205 at Raphine and Exit 200 at Fairfield. This $109,800,000 project is slated to get underway in May of 2028 and be completed in December of 2031.
The committee has 15 voting members: seven Virginia lawmakers, three CTB members representing the Bristol, Salem and Staunton districts, and the five chairs of the planning district commissions. The commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation serve on the committee ex officio in nonvoting capacities.
“The CIP unlocks I-81 by enhancing safety and reliability, reducing congestion and supporting economic growth,” said a spokesperson.
To find out more, visit Improve81.org. The website includes an interactive map, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.
