The purpose of this project is to address existing and future capacity needs along I-81 northbound and southbound between mile marker 221.45 and 225.6 in Augusta County near Staunton. The project maintains roadway and bridge safety features, improves operational safety by adding I-81 capacity, improves travel reliability for the public, limits impacts to existing access ramps, and repairs or replaces deficient bridge components within the project.

Specific improvements include:

• Addition of one lane in the northbound direction of I-81 from the Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) on-ramp at exit 222 to the Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) off-ramp at exit 225.
• Addition of one lane in the southbound direction of I-81 from Route 262 south at exit 225 to approximately 1,200 feet south of the I-81 bridge over the I-81 southbound / I-64 eastbound ramp.
• Widen, replace and/or repair deficient elements of existing bridges within the project limits.
• Make sensible use of existing pavement and rights-of-way to accomplish the capacity improvements.
• Maintain or enhance operational safety through improvements to signs and pavement markings.

This project is part of the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor. The Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the I-81 CIP in December 2018. The $2 billion package of targeted improvements was funded by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law in spring 2019. More information about the program is available at Improve81.org.

Benefits

This project improves safety and reliability on Interstate 81 in the Staunton area by providing an additional travel lane in each direction.

Project Schedule 

Design Approval – Summer 2022
Right of Way – Fall 2023
Advertise for Construction – Late 2024

Project Costs

Preliminary Engineering: $13,815,194
Right of Way: $2,713,250
Construction: $155,842,446
Estimated total cost: $172,370,890

This project is funded by the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program.

Public Outreach

Design Public Hearing
Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Alternate date if needed: May 31, 2022, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Comment Deadline
Friday, June 3, 2022

Public Meeting Location

VDOT Staunton District Auditorium
811 Commerce Road
Staunton, Va. 24477

Design Public Hearing Materials

• Project displays: See Documents & Materials tab below
• Video: Watch a project overview
• Podcast: Listen to a detailed project overview

Resources
Contact Information:
Scott Alexander, P.E., Project Manager
(540) 332-9030
Scott.Alexander@VDOT.Virginia.gov

Phase: In Design

State Project Number: 0081-007-013, P101, R201, C501, B638, B639, B640, B641, B642, D602, D603
Federal Project Number: NHPP-081-2(329)
UPC: 116269

Lat/Long: 38.138889, -79.023333

Locality: Augusta County / VDOT Staunton District

Translation assistance: For translation assistance, please call the VDOT Staunton District Civil Rights Office at 540-292-3040. More information on Translation services can be acccessed here.