I-81 Corridor Study

Although much discussion has centered on the possible expansion of I-81 in Virginia, no plans or proposals can be implemented without the approval and concurrence of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Because the interstate system is federally funded, any proposed changes to the highway must comply with all federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
(What is NEPA? Click here for the answer.)

In accordance with NEPA, in the fall of 2003 FHWA and VDOT launched an I-81 Corridor Improvement Study. The study will objectively identify deficiencies along the interstate as well as opportunities for improvements throughout the corridor in Virginia. As a result of the study, a Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was released to the public Nov. 29, 2005.

The EIS considers reasonable improvement concepts for the heavily traveled I-81 corridor. Some of these concepts include opportunities for separation of trucks and passenger vehicles, as well as rail improvements. Click here for more about these concepts. In addition, the study evaluates tolling as a funding source.

In November 2003, VDOT and FHWA announced that the agencies had agreed to streamline the corridor improvement study by dividing it into two phases, or tiers. Tier 1 is now under way. VDOT held six public hearings along the I-81 corridor about the Tier 1 DEIS in April 2006. To view materials presented at the public hearings, please see the Get Involved page.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board issued a resolution at their October 11, 2006 meeting supporting a series of safety improvements, a frieght rail study and the completion of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study. As a result of this resolution, VDOT completed the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in late March 2007.

When the Tier 1 EIS is complete, decisions on the following will be made:

• Improvement concepts for highway and rail facilities, such as the number of additional highway lanes that may be needed; partial or complete separation of trucks and passenger vehicles; and additional rail capacity.
• Approval to advance I-81 as a toll pilot project under current federal law
• Roadway and rail components to be studied in Tier 2
• Possible purchase of right-of-way parcels on a case-by-case basis

Negotiations continue with STAR Solutions as a potential business partner to build improvements to I-81 that may be selected by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Negotiations are proceeding under Virginia's Public-Private Partnership Act of 1995.

The Tier 1 study divided I-81 into eight segments for further detailed analysis, which could be performed in Tier 2 studies. After completion of Tier 2, FHWA may authorize use of federal funds for VDOT to begin designing construction plans for future improvements.

To assist in completing the Tier 1 EIS in accordance with NEPA, VDOT has contracted with the Massachusetts-based firm of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB).

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