VDOT opens new three lane portion of I-81 with minor “finishing details” to come

The new three-lane portion of I-81 southbound in Bristol is open to traffic, providing motorists with improved traffic flow along this busy stretch of interstate in Southwest Virginia. The $38 million I-81 widening project began in January 2024 and is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program to unlock I-81 by enhancing safety and reliability and reducing congestion. The project widens southbound I-81 to three lanes between exits 10 and 7, as well as widening the southbound bridge over Old Dominion Road. The project also widens to three lanes one mile of northbound I-81 between exit 7 and the bridge over Old Dominion Road. Separate from the widening is a project to replace a bridge over I-81 northbound at Old Dominion Road, which began in late 2025. The northbound bridge replacement project is anticipated to be completed in May 2027. Be alert to small finishing item projects during overnight hours in the coming weeks.