Lat/Long: 38.42412, -78.87939 Localities: Harrisonburg and Rockingham
The purpose of the project is to address existing and future capacity needs, improve operational safety and reliability, limit impacts to existing access ramps and interchanges, and repair or replace deficient bridge components within the project. Specific improvements include:
In 2019 Route I-81 through Harrisonburg had an average daily traffic count of 58,000 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2047 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 81,300 vehicles per day.
The project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor. The Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the I-81 CIP in December 2018. The $2 billion package of targeted improvements was funded by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law in spring 2019. More information about the program is available at Improve81.org.
The project is one of a series of corridor improvements to I-81. This project improves safety and traffic flow northbound and southbound on Interstate 81 in the Harrisonburg area by providing an additional travel lane. It will ease existing congestion and provide for future capacity needs.
Estimated start date: Summer 2025 (Advertise for Construction)
Estimated completion date: Completion date identified upon contract award
Schedule Details
Project plan approval - Early 2023
Right of Way - Late 2023
Construction advertisement - Summer 2025
Estimated cost of the project: $320 million
Preliminary Engineering: $22 million
Right of Way / Utility Relocation: $10.2 million
Construction: $288 million
Major funding source: I-81 Corridor Improvement Program
UPC: 116280
State ID: 0081-115-270 P101, R201, C501, B601, B602, B603, B604, B605, B606, B607, B608, B609, D601, D602
Federal ID: NHPP-0813(199)
Design Public Hearing
Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 4-7 p.m.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
215 Pleasant Valley Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Citizen Information Meeting
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Harrisonburg Widening Video
Harrisonburg Widening Podcast
Videos of project renderings:
Video Rendering Index
I-81 Flyover - Section A, Harrisonburg Widening
I-81 Flyover - Section B, Harrisonburg Widening
I-81 Flyover - Section C, Harrisonburg Widening
I-81 Flyover - Section D, Harrisonburg Widening
I-81 Flyover - Section E, Harrisonburg Widening
I-81 Flyover - All Sections, Harrisonburg Widening
Last updated: March 25, 2024