Miles SmithThe opening phase of a study by the Virginia Department of Transportation, to improve the 325-mile stretch of I-81 that runs through the state, has launched with a public engagement period.
The first phase of the VDOT I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan focuses on identifying safety and congestion issues, and the department is looking to compare traffic-data analysis with driver feedback.
The department completed a similar study on I-81 in 2018, which culminated in 65 construction projects worth approximately $3 billion.
A total of 12 projects are planned but have yet to start construction across Bristol, Salem and Staunton. The public engagement period, which is open until April 15, includes a survey with an interactive map that allows the public to pinpoint locations where they experience issues on the corridor.
The next phase of the study will use traffic data and the online survey results to develop recommendations for improving the areas identified during the first phase, VDOT said.
The study team plans to seek input from the public on the recommendations at in-person meetings this summer, and again in the fall to further refine the recommendations.
VDOT expects to complete the full study this year
Photo by photoGraph via Pexels
