The Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization (RVTPO) is considering requesting lighting be added to I-81 projects and would like your opinion. Please complete the
I-81 Interchange Lighting survey.
In 2018 the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan received over 2,000 comments. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) developed projects that focused on mainline widening and targeted safety improvements of I-81. Interchange lighting was not considered because nighttime crashes did not stand out in the data or citizen feedback as a main area of concern, but there have been recent requests to consider adding lighting. The idea of adding new or more lighting at I-81 interchanges stems from the perception that lighting may promote a reduction in nighttime crashes and may increase tourism and commerce in the Roanoke Valley.
While ongoing maintenance and utility costs as well as light pollution are considered negative impacts of lighting, interchange lighting is thought to create a safer environment through greater visibility for travelers passing through the interchanges and greater appeal to motorists to patronize Roanoke Valley businesses and attractions. Lighting of the interchange ramps and crossroads can be included in the projects from a technical perspective. It will cost about $12 million (~2% of the total cost) to install lights at six interchanges. Funding for this is expected to come from the new I-81 Corridor Improvement Fund.
Because lighting has benefits and drawbacks, this survey is to gauge public sentiment for or against adding interchange lighting to I-81 widening projects. As the I-81 projects are developed, there will be additional opportunities for public input as more information is available.
If you need assistance completing
this survey, please call (540) 343-4417 or email rruhlen@rvarc.org.