Benefits

The primary purpose of this project is to improve safety where Interstate 77 toward West Virginia meets Interstate 81 at Wytheville.

The project includes extending the off ramp from I-81 north onto I-77 north; extending the off ramp from I-77 south onto I-81 south; constructing a lane between southbound I-77 exit 41 (Peppers Ferry Road) and the I-81 southbound off ramp; and replacing the I-81 bridges over Peppers Ferry Road and the I-81 northbound bridge over I-77 north.

The project cost is approximately $55 million, with the majority of the funding coming from the state. There is no right of way to be purchased for this project. 

This project will move forward as a design-build project. In September, a request for proposals will be issued followed by the selection of the design-build team. It is anticipated that construction will begin October 2024.

Interstate 81 in this area carries approximately 34,000 vehicles per day and I-77 I this area carries approximately 30,000 vehicles per day.

Public Outreach

A design public hearing will be held for this project:

• Tuesday, July 11, from 4-6 p.m. at Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382.

The public comment period closes July 21, 2023.
 

Design Public Hearing Materials 

• Meeting display 1

• Meeting display 2

• Meeting display 3

• Meeting display 4

• Meeting display 5

• Meeting display: Typical section

• Environmental documentation

• Meeting advertisement

Resources
Contact Information: 
Robert Leonard, P.E., Project Manager
276-696-3258
Robert.Leonard@vdot.virginia.gov

Phase: In Design

UPC: 122267

Lat/Long: 36.965556, -81.079167

Locality: Wytheville/Wythe County/VDOT Bristol District

Translation assistance: For translation assistance, please call the VDOT Bristol District Office at 276-669-6151. More information on Translation services can be acccessed here.