Roanoke County backs VDOT design and limited access changes for I‑81 widening through county

Roanoke County supervisors voted June 23 to support Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) design and limited-access control changes for the Interstate 81 widening project between exit 128 (Ironto) and exit 137 (Wildwood Road).

The presentation, given by county staff, summarized corridor planning and previous CTB-authorized funding actions. Staff said planned work in Roanoke County will add one travel lane in each direction, replace several bridges that cross the interstate to allow widening, include stormwater management measures and potentially install sound walls where warranted.

"A third travel lane will be built in both directions and eight bridges will be replaced over crossing routes," staff said, adding that temporary traffic shifts, widened shoulders and modified interchange alignments are expected during construction. Staff estimated combined corridor costs at approximately $1.834 billion for the widening work that touches the county.

Supervisors asked clarifying questions about which bridges were included, temporary signal timing and detour routes. Staff said no homes or businesses will be acquired for the project but noted acquisition of undeveloped portions of some parcels may be required for limited access right-of-way adjustments.

After discussion, the board moved, seconded and unanimously adopted a resolution supporting VDOT’s design and limited access changes for the exit 128–137 segment. Staff said construction activities are anticipated to begin on portions of the segment in 2027 with other phases following in 2028 and later years.