The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will receive an additional $17 million in federal funding for improvements to Interstate 81. This funding supplements the $4 billion already allocated for projects along the corridor over the next decade.
The new funds were secured by Congressman Ben Cline, who represents Virginia’s 6th District in the U.S. Congress and has held this position since 2019, following his tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2018. The money was included in an appropriations bill signed by President Trump last week that ended a partial government shutdown.
“We’re very excited that $17 million was included in this transportation appropriations bill,” Cline said. “It’s going to make sure we finish up the construction sooner and get that traffic flowing faster.”
Cline referred to I-81 as “the economic backbone of western Virginia,” noting its importance for distribution networks serving the East Coast. He also expressed concern about safety on the interstate, citing increased truck traffic and a higher rate of deadly accidents.
“Folks I know don’t get on 81 anymore because it’s so dangerous,” Cline said. “It was built for 15% truck traffic. Now it gets at least 30% truck traffic. If you hit it at the wrong time of the weekend, it’s over 50% truck traffic.”
He added, “Those accidents that occur are much deadlier when it’s between a car and a truck than just two cars. So we have a higher death rate on 81 because of those accidents.”
Local drivers highlighted ongoing issues with I-81, such as potholes near bridges and heavy weekend congestion. Some residents suggested adding another lane would help address these problems.
Austin Price, who commutes daily on I-81 between mile markers 132 and 152, supported widening efforts: “I’d like to see it get a little bit wider due to the congestion of the tractor-trailers and everyone traveling,” he said. “There are always a lot of accidents, especially in this probably 20 to 30-mile strip. It can hold you up anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. I think a lane extension would definitely prevent that.”
Cline emphasized that VDOT will determine how best to use the new funds but hopes they will accelerate current widening projects: “We’re so far behind in this widening effort that it’s all hands on deck. So as fast as we can get these projects done, the better,” he said.
Projects along I-81 are scheduled through at least 2035, reflecting both their scale and complexity. A major widening project is underway between exits 143 and 150 in Botetourt and Roanoke Counties; this work includes bridge replacements and is expected to continue until summer 2031.
“Widening is going to make it safer, make it more economically successful. More businesses will want to locate here. More jobs will get created here, and that’s why we want to continue to press on this important infrastructure project,” Cline said.
VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich issued a statement regarding the new funding: “We appreciate the support for safety improvements along this vital and important corridor in the Commonwealth and look forward to working with Rep. Cline and others as this moves forward.”
Cline was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1972 and currently lives in Fincastle.
He graduated from Bates College with a BA in 1994 before earning his JD from University of Richmond in 2007.
