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.

Listen on:

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Episodes

Program Changes

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.

Work Zone Safety

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.

I-81 and I-77 Improvements

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

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

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. 

Safety Service Patrol

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

Design Build

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

Bristol District: Exit 10-7

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. 

Bridge Challenges

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

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. 

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