Harrisonburg Leaders Break Ground on I-81 Expansion

Six-year project to add lanes and sound walls along busy interstate corridor

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty stretch of highway under a warm, golden sunset, with a lone construction vehicle in the distance, conveying a sense of anticipation and change for the future of the I-81 corridor.The upcoming expansion of I-81 through Harrisonburg aims to improve traffic flow and safety along this critical East Coast commercial corridor.Harrisonburg Today

State and local officials, including Governor Abigail Spanberger and Delegate Tony Wilt, gathered at Rocktown High School to ceremonially break ground on a major expansion of Interstate 81 through Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. The $300 million project will add one lane in each direction and install sound barriers along the seven-mile stretch, which sees 58,000 vehicles per day, including a third being commercial trucks.

Why it matters

The I-81 corridor is a critical artery for commerce and logistics across the East Coast, with $300 billion in goods transported annually. The expansion aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and limit disturbance to surrounding communities along this busy stretch of highway.

The details

The construction project, which has been in the works since 2019, will officially begin in late spring 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2032. In addition to adding one lane in each direction, the project will also install sound walls to limit noise impacts on nearby neighborhoods and schools. State Transportation Commissioner Stephen Brich noted this is part of a broader effort to improve I-81 in several regions across Virginia.

  • The project was first approved in 2019.
  • Construction will officially begin in late spring 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed by 2032.

The players

Gov. Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who joined local leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Del. Tony Wilt

A Republican state delegate representing the 34th District that includes Harrisonburg.

Nick Donahue

The Virginia Secretary of Transportation who has been involved in the project since its inception.

Stephen Brich

The Virginia Transportation Commissioner overseeing several I-81 improvement projects across the state.

Dany Fleming

The vice mayor of Harrisonburg who said the city has collaborated with state officials on the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is also a long-term investment in Virginia's role as a reliable hub for commerce, logistics and freight.”

— Gov. Abigail Spanberger

“But today, I'm proud to say it has begun.”

— Del. Tony Wilt

“This is a really ​​great project addressing one of the worst areas on 81.”

— Nick Donahue, Virginia Secretary of Transportation

“This is a long time coming for Harrisonburg. We can't wait for this to get through.”

— Dany Fleming, Harrisonburg Vice Mayor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project represents a significant investment in improving the critical I-81 corridor for both commerce and community safety, with collaboration between state and local leaders to minimize impacts and maximize benefits for the Harrisonburg region.