Seven public information meetings are scheduled along the 325-mile Interstate 81 corridor in February 2004, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend to provide their ideas about how I-81 could function in the future.

The meetings, called scoping meetings, are the public kickoff of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study now under way by the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Transportation. The study will identify deficiencies along the interstate as well as opportunities for improvements throughout the corridor in Virginia.

During the meetings, citizens can view displays and maps pertaining to the corridor. The purpose of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study, as well as the study’s schedule, will be available. Citizens also can speak one-on-one with study team members to get information about the study. Meeting participants can leave comments in written form, or they may speak with a court reporter to record their comments and suggestions.

The I-81 Corridor Improvement Study will lead to the completion of a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Scoping meetings are important in fulfilling NEPA because they provide citizens with an early opportunity to help identify the need for improvements within the corridor, as well as identifying issues to be included in the EIS.

FHWA and VDOT have agreed to comply with NEPA by conducting the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study in a two-part, or tiered, process. Scoping meetings are part of the Tier 1 EIS. Additional public meetings – including formal public hearings – will be scheduled later in the 18-month Tier 1 study.

VDOT – VDOT SETS PUBLIC MEETINGS ON I-81
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Public Scoping Meetings are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. at the following locations:

February 10, 2004

Abingdon
Virginia Highlands Community College
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Circle

Wytheville
Ramada Inn
955 Pepper’s Ferry Road

February 11, 2004

Christiansburg
Montgomery County Government Center
First Floor Multi-Purpose Room
755 Roanoke St.

Salem
Salem Civic Center
Community Room
1001 Boulevard

February 12, 2004

Lexington
Hampton Inn
401 E. Nelson St.

Harrisonburg
Four Points by Sheraton
1400 E. Market St.

February 17, 2004

Winchester
Travel Lodge
Front Royal Pike

Questions about the I-81 scoping meetings can be directed to Chris Collins, VDOT environmental project manager, at (804) 225-4249.

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Page last modified: Jan. 29, 2004