Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has announced that the House Appropriations Committee has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill, which includes $17 million for improvements to Interstate 81. This funding, requested and supported by Cline as a member of the Appropriations Committee, aims to enhance key upgrades and potential widening along the corridor. The highway runs through Virginia’s Sixth District and is heavily traveled.
Interstate 81 handles significant freight and passenger traffic. Annually, over 12 million commercial trucks use the interstate, transporting goods worth more than $300 billion. As traffic increases, there is a growing need to modernize the highway to ensure timely deliveries and reduce disruptions affecting local businesses and national commerce.
“I hear from constituents daily about the dangerous conditions on I-81,” said Congressman Cline. “This funding will help reduce congestion, improve safety, and make the highway more efficient for the millions who rely on it. I’m proud to deliver these federal dollars for our communities along the I-81 corridor.”
Built over 50 years ago, I-81 has not kept pace with increasing traffic and freight demands. A state report in 2018 highlighted urgent needs along the corridor. While Virginia has made efforts to address these issues, further federal investment is deemed necessary.
Travel delays are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, affecting both freight movement and personal travel. To address this, Virginia’s Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) plans to widen sections of the road from two to three lanes in critical areas. These upgrades aim to reduce congestion, provide more room for emergency response vehicles, and lower crash risks by allowing vehicles more space to maneuver.
“I-81 is essential to our region’s economy,” Cline continued. “Whether it’s commuters, families, or truck drivers moving goods through the Valley, Virginians deserve a safer and more reliable interstate. I’ll keep working toward real solutions to make that happen.”
Congressman Ben Cline represents Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. He was previously an attorney in private practice and served as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline resides in Botetourt County with his wife Elizabeth and their two children.
