There are three major State-led transportation improvement projects that will impact the New River Valley region and will be ongoing for the next several years:

• Through the I-81 Improvements, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working to improve the safety and convenience of this heavily traveled interstate highway.

• In the Bristol Rail Passenger Study - Phase 2, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) studied the feasibility of passenger rail service between Richmond/Washington and Bristol, Virginia. Further studies will be undertaken by DRPT. For additional information, check out the TransDominion Express web-site (not a State agency web-site).

• The U.S. Route 58 Corridor Development Program was initiated by the Virginia General Assembly to improve travel and enhance economic development in the largely rural areas served by this road.