Studies: I-81 Corridor Improvement Study: Tier 2 I-77/I-81 Overlap
Cost and schedule ►
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), conducted a location study to evaluate alternatives to meet existing and future travel needs in the study area between Exit 72 and Exit 81 on co-located Interstate 81 and 77 near Wytheville. To facilitate this action, VDOT and FHWA completed a Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in 2007, and the Environmental Assessment (EA) serves as the second tier study.
In May 2012, the Commonwealth Transportation Board selected the location for the I-77/I-81 overlap in Wythe County choosing Candidate Build Alternative B, which adds one travel lane in each direction of the current location of the overlap.
Three alternatives were presented during a public hearing in September 2011: Candidate Build A, separation of the two interstates; Candidate Build B, the addition of one travel lane in each direction; and a no-build option.
The cost estimate for Candidate Build B is $457 million and includes preliminary engineering, right of way and construction. Currently funding has not been identified for these phases.