The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) held an informational open house on March 7, 2022, to provide information on I-81 Exit 235 and Route 256 Study improvements.

Draft concepts of the potential improvements presented at the open house are available for review at sawmpo.org.

The exit 235 study evaluates mid-term solutions to congestion, and long-term corridor needs to accommodate future growth along Weyers Cave Road (VA 256) between U.S. 11 and Triangle Drive near I-81 Exit 235. The open house provided the public an opportunity to review and comment on the potential improvements, and to discuss the study with staff from the SAWMPO and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The comments will be summarized and provided to local government stakeholders. 

Responses from a survey conducted in December 2021 inform the study recommendations. Information about this project can be found on VDOT-Staunton's project page.

VDOT held a citizen information meeting on August 24, 2021, for the planned widening of Interstate 81 in Augusta County near Staunton. The project would widen I-81 northbound and southbound to three lanes between exit 221 (I-64 interchange) and exit 225 (Route 262/Woodrow Wilson Parkway).

The proposed project addresses existing and future capacity needs along I-81 northbound and southbound between mile marker 221.7 and 225.5. The project maintains roadway and bridge safety features, improves operational safety by adding I-81 capacity, improves travel reliability for the public, limits impacts to existing access ramps, and repairs or replaces deficient bridge components within the project.

Additional information about the project is on the VDOT website at the following link:

https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/staunton/interstate-81-staunton-area-widening.asp.

The project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which aims to improve safety, increase reliability and foster economic growth along the 325-mile corridor. The I-81 CIP was approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in December 2018. The $2 billion package of targeted improvements was funded by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam in spring 2019. More information about the program is available at Improve81.org.

You can still provide feedback on the I-81 southbound auxiliary lane project. The project includes replacement of the Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) bridge over I-81. A public hearing was held on June 23, 2021.

Below is a chart of the transportation projects for interstate, primary, secondary and urban highway systems, public transit, ports and airports and other programs planned in Augusta County from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021.

You can find all the funded projects at VDOT's Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) page.   

The SYIP is a document that outlines planned spending for transportation projects proposed for construction development or study for the next six years. The SYIP is updated annually and is the means by which the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) allocates funds for the immediate fiscal year.  The SYIP identifies planned program funding for the first fiscal year and the remaining five years are estimates of future allocations. The SYIP is updated each year as revenue estimates are updated, priorities are revised, and project schedules and costs change. Learn more about SYIP.