Development
New River Bridge still under construction after 10 years
Jack DohertyAugust 10, 2026
I-81 New River Bridge project, ongoing since 2016, remains unfinished past 2020 deadline due to contractor issues with uneven surface.
A stretch of I-81 connecting Pulaski County and Radford has been under construction since fall 2016. The $62.2 million New River Bridge project was originally scheduled for completion in 2020 but remains unfinished due to contractor issues including an uneven riding surface. VDOT says the structure is safe and a corrective action plan is underway with specialized subcontractors.