I-81 Virtual Public Hearing February 9, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

VDOT is hosting a virtual public hearing on its proposed plan to widen Interstate 81 between exits 137 and 141 in Roanoke County and Salem. The Virtual Public Hearing takes place February 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The project is projected to cost $292.5 million, and would provide additional capacity and improve safety by widening 5.1 miles of I-81 from two lanes in both directions to three lanes in both directions, between mile markers 136.6 and 141.8 in Roanoke County and the City of Salem (see map below). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2021. The project also includes replacing six bridges, widening two bridges and installing 2.6 miles of sound barrier walls along I-81 northbound.

Participate in the Virtual Public Hearing by visiting the project page, www.virginiadot.org/I81exit137to141, and clicking on the link for the virtual public hearing on Tuesday, February 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. VDOT representatives will make a presentation beginning at 5 p.m. and will answer questions through the WebEx Chat function after the presentation is completed. A recorded version of the presentation will be available on the project page after the hearing.

Comment on the proposed project using one of these methods:

• Completing the comment sheet at the bottom of the virtual design public hearing webpage.
• Emailing your comments to I81-MM136-141@vdot.virginia.gov. Reference “Interstate 81 Widening Virtual VDOT Design Hearing Public Comments” in the subject line
• Anyone requiring special assistance to provide input or ask additional questions may contact VDOT’s Salem District Office at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711