CONGRESSMAN
Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), who represents Salem, announced last week that the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee includes $17 million for improvements to Interstate 81. This funding, which Cline requested and supported as a member of the Appropriations Committee, will support key upgrades and potential widening along the corridor, which runs directly through Virginia’s Sixth District and is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the region.
The I-81 Corridor handles an enormous volume of freight and passenger traffic. Each year, more than 12 million commercial trucks travel along the interstate, moving over $300 billion in goods. As traffic increases, so does the need to modernize the highway to support on-time delivery and reduce disruptions that hurt both local businesses and national commerce.
“I hear from constituents daily about the dangerous conditions on I-81,” said 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 1-81 corridor.”
Originally built over 50 years ago, I-81 has not kept up with growing traffic and freight demands. A 2018 state report identified urgent needs along the corridor, and while Virginia has taken important steps to address them, additional federal investment is necessary.
Travel delays are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, impacting both freight movement and personal travel. To help fix this, Virginia’s Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP) includes plans to widen the road from two to three lanes in critical sections. These upgrades will reduce congestion, create more room for emergency response vehicles, and lower the risk of crashes by allowing more space for vehicles 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.”
-The Salem Times-Register
