New lane would improve trip
A separate lane
for tractor-trailers would ease traffic on Interstate 81, a spokesperson
from the Virginia Department of Transportation said in a
public meeting in Fairfield.
If approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board this year, the new
lane could cost more than $80 million.
The northbound climbing lane would run through a steep seven-mile stretch
south of the Augusta County line, between Lexington and Staunton. The
long grade sometimes slows heavy trucks to 30 to 40 miles per hour.
VDOT’s original plan for the project was to create a lane 11 miles long, but the
length was trimmed because of budget cuts.
The lane would be completed by 2011.
Va. Department of Transportation
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Brian Richardson
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd