Under Construction: Interstate 81 Staunton-Area Widening (Exit 221 to Exit 225)

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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.