Improve 81 Series
The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program consists of innovative, targeted improvements that will have a substantial effect on the safety and reliability of a critical portion of our nation's infrastructure. This podcast series focuses on discussions with VDOT on current improvement projects.
Episodes
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program evolves to meet the needs of interstate travelers. I-81 Program Delivery Director Dave Covington talks with Communications Coordinator Ken Slack about new widening projects that will help enhance safety and traffic flow. More at Improve81.org.
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
See how VDOT's corridor-wide Transportation Management Plan enhances work-zone safety and consistency among I-81 projects. More at Improve81.org.
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Five separate construction projects are coming to the Wytheville area, where I-81 and I-77 come together. They will enhance safety and traffic flow while supporting economic development. VDOT Bristol District Communications Manager Michelle Earl discusses the projects with Bristol District Location & Design Engineer Tamara Pritchard and Bristol District Megaprojects Engineer Marty Halloway. More at Improve81.org.
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
On this episode, join Ken Slack and Dave Covington as they discuss the Weyers Cave truck climbing lanes near the Augusta County and Rockingham County line,
Our special guest this week is Jennifer Hoover, Staunton District Engineer and Project Manager.
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
On this episode, join Ken Slack and Dave Covington as they look back at the I-81 corridor during 2023 and look ahead to 2024.
Our special guests this week are:
Tabitha Crowder, Bristol District
Ken King, Salem District
Todd Stevens, Staunton District.
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
On this episode, join Ken Slack and Dave Covington as they discuss the safety service patrol.
Our special guests this week are:
Sandy Wyrick, TOC Program Manager
George Kluchesky, Safety Service Patrol Supervisor
Chad Fisher, Safety Service Patrol Foreman
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
On this episode, join Jason Bond and Dave Covington as they discuss VDOT's design build delivery process.
Our special guests this week are:
Rob Griffith, Salem District Construction Engineer
Marty Halloway, Bristol District Engineer for Megaprojects
Matt Dana, Staunton District Preliminary Engineering Manager
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
On this episode, join Michelle Earl and Dave Covington as they discuss the improvements coming to Exit 10 through Exit 7 on I-81.
Our special guest this week is Gene Holley, Bristol District I-81 Coordinator.
Thursday Nov 03, 2022
Thursday Nov 03, 2022
On this episode, join Jason Bond and Dave Covington as they discuss the bridge challenges along the I-81 corridor.
Our special guest this week is Dean Hackett, Salem District Bridge Engineer.
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
On this episode, join Jason Bond and Dave Covington as they discuss the ramp extensions at the Troutville Rest Area.
Our special guest this week is Tony Handy, Area Construction Engineer in Salem.