The Commonwealth Transportation Board has awarded a $237 million contract to Triton Construction to begin the first phase of the I‑81 widening project.
The decision came during the Board’s April 22 meeting in Fredericksburg.

The awarded segment—known as Segment N—covers 3.2 miles between mile marker 133.8 and exit 137 in Roanoke County and Salem. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

An Added Eye When You Drive & Park : REDTIGER Dash Cam

This phase is part of a larger improvement project along nine miles of I‑81 that will widen the interstate from two lanes to three lanes in each direction.

Ken King, district engineer for VDOT’s Salem District, said, “Widening this section is a major step forward for the Roanoke-Blacksburg region.”

“We are excited to begin the final design and construction of this critical portion of Interstate 81 to improve safety and reliability for motorists,” said Dave Covington, I‑81 program delivery director for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

The nine-mile project will be completed in three segments:

• Segment N
Mile marker 133.8 → Exit 137
Construction to begin spring 2027

• Segment M
Mile markers 131 → 133.8
Construction expected to start in 2028

• Segment S
Exit 128 → Mile marker 131
Construction expected to start late 2027 or early 2028

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