The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Salem District has released an updated overview of the Interstate 81 widening project between Exits 143 and 150, detailing planned changes that will affect portions of Botetourt County in the coming years.
The information was provided in a press release issued last week and reflects the latest updates available on the agency’s project page.
According to VDOT, the work includes adding one additional lane in each direction of I-81. The lanes will be constructed within the existing median along the corridor.
Several changes are planned at Exit 150. The ramp from southbound I-81 to southbound U.S. Route 220 is scheduled to be removed. Under the current plan, southbound I-81 traffic will be redirected to a realigned ramp at Tinker Mountain Road.
In addition, the ramp from northbound Route 220 (Roanoke Road) onto southbound I-81 at Exit 150 will be realigned as part of the project.
VDOT also reported that new traffic cameras have been installed along the project corridor. The cameras are available for public viewing through the agency’s website and are intended to provide updates on traffic conditions and construction activity.
The widening project between Exits 143 and 150 is part of a larger effort by VDOT to address traffic conditions along Interstate 81. Additional details beyond those included in the release were not provided.
Construction is ongoing, according to VDOT, though specific schedules for individual phases of the work were not included in the latest update.
The overall project is expected to be completed by summer 2031.
VDOT directs residents and motorists to its website for additional information, including updates and access to traffic camera feeds as the project progresses.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
