They reconstructed that US 11-460 interchange while I was a student at Virginia Tech... I want to say they were finished in 2003. I was so happy when they finally did finish it though.
Four lanes really is too few between Roanoke and Christiansburg, especially considering how the area has grown.
Enjoyed the video, that white Dodge dually was really gettin down the road there for a while!! Nice scenery, I've driven this several times and always enjoy it despite all the trucks.
I am going to be driving this stretch on my way to Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN. Coming from the Canadian Maritimes (2450km) we'll be on the 81 starting in Harrisburg, PA and was looking to get a feel for some of this drive because it looks very very boring with nothing to look at but trees and grass. Nice to see some nice terrain will welcome us along the way though!
@CJayceeP I-81 is very scenic and interesting through Virginia, and there ais a nice section between I-78 and I-80 in PA as well, otherwise, typical rural interstate.
@CJayceeP Just be on your toes, I-81 is the heaviest truck route east of the Mississippi river, but yeah Virginia is the highlight of the trip, especially between I-66 and I-77.
@Freewayjim I noticed the trucks! I lived in Southern Ontario and commuted on the 401 which is not only the busiest highway in North America, but the busiest truck route in the world so I will definitely be on my toes. It would be really bizarre to be in a traffic jam sitting in my little cavalier surrounded by trucks! It really causes a lot of congestion. Heading to Bonnaroo in my new wrangler though. Hoping to go topless the whole way :).
Nice work on this video me an the wife are making a trip down 81 to tenn this summer an really looking foward to it after seeing your videos i watch all your videos i,m from philly an i seen that one you done thanks. Steve
its a death trap. The speed limit is now 70, that means the truckers will go 80 and flat run over your ass without giving a shit. It was so foggy and raining on my way to Radford yesterday, had my wife and small kids with me, had to push up to 85 because a truck behind me right on my bumper, at the same time a truck in front of me, beside me, and another coming of and exit ramp beside me not about to slow down. The state of Va must want all of its motorist to die a bloody death in a crash.
I just love watching your videos..... of Interstate 81..... just before we live for our vacations...... we drive from Montreal to Fort lauderdale.....
Great Stuff. Two mates and I did 2 months in the US in '07. Stayed 2 nights in Christianburg. This has brought back some wonderful memories. Also I loved the 65mph+ speed limits.
Nah...Shreveport is worse than being flat. Well, east of Bayou Pierre it gets the lovely flat look that reminds me of South LA. But mostly we have hills that aren't big or defined enough to be real hills. We're just plain boring.
Without the trucks on I-81, you would have a little bit more compliance with lane courtesy from other drivers. The out of state drivers most notably on I-81 are usually from Ontario and upstate New York which are less likely to be left lane hogs. I prefer US 29 going through VA than the north-south interstates.
I agree with you Freewayjim, pass other cars to keep the view clear. Sitting behind left lane hogs the whole time would have ruined the video. I've always been a keep right driver anyway, it makes the trip more pleasant.
YES, ANOTHER GOOD SEGER TUNE. BUT THEN I DON'T DISLIKE MANY.
MY VERY FAVORITE IS AMERICAN STORM. TRY THAT ONE ON ONE OF YOUR TRIPS. HAVE YOU HEARD HIS LATEST CD, EARLY SEGER.? " DAYS WHEN THE RAIN WOULD COME" GOOD ONE TOO. A BUNCH OF ROADHOGS AND WEAVERS ON THIS TRIP. oNE GUY SURE IN A HURRY LOL
I noticed in all you vids Freeway Jim...NOBODY passes you...lol...you're the fastest car on the road...except your NYC metro area vids, but you pass 98% of the traffic...have you ever raced another car that tried to consistently maintain 90+ mph on the interstate?? Probably since you dont drive during rush hour, there aren't any fast drivers out.
Freeway Jim...you need to do I-77 from I-81 to WV to I-64. Very curvy and scenic...much more than I-81. And there are two long mountain tunnels maintained by VDOT ...East River and Big Walker, even tho the latter is in WV.
oooops...East River is the tunnel thats half in WV and half VA, but maintained by VDOT. Big Walker is 20 miles in VA before you get to the state line with WV.
I love this video--what an excellent concept! I live in Northern Virginia & have travelled this corridor of I-81 several times making the journey home to North Alabama--it is a pretty & fun drive. You think like I do when I drive ") very funny comments . . . great pacing, music, filming & editing. Oh, I was so happy when you passed the white van--haha! I was thinking: oh, he needs some free open road & this van is blocking the view! Safe journeys & travelling mercies!
Beautiful video of SW Virginia! Born and raised here! Just moved to Florida recently and I will be moving back next year, Its Flat, hot, and humid! Nobody ever truly appriciates the mountains until they dont have them anymore!!! GO HOKIES!!!!
even though I live in Hampton roads, I am from this area. This is where I grew up. It is breathtakingly beautiful through here.
But I truly do agree with you. I-81 does need to be upgraded badly.....they have actually done reports and specials about how treacherous driving through there is especially with all the truck traffic. At least three lanes in each dierction wil do it.
And the area that is etween Roanoke and the New River Valley is possibly one of the most conjested parts of I-81
Adding more lanes, even just one per carriageway, adds traffic. If they ever build actual high speed rail (125mph+) to Charlottesville, Blacksburg, and eventually Atlanta via that corridor, that may alleviate a lot of the traffic.
I been to a couple of metropolitan areas and I don't think they have 6 lanes anywhere, other than ATLanta. (I ve been to chicago, houston, miami boston, dc, ny) From what I remember.
Love taking the "mountain route" on the way to Florida!!! I go from Mass 90-84-81-77-26-95 to Fla. With the less traffic, it takes about the same time as going I-95
Boy those drivers would be run off the road up here in Massachusetts... I hate lazy left laners!!! Or triple L's as we like to call em'!! Ive actually driven into the breakdown lane to get around someone when the road gets to tight and ppl aren't going fast enough...
I've driven this many times. I think that the stretch near Blacksburg where it widens is to allow for waiting and traffic offloading for Va Tech football games.
There's also a "smart highway" near Blacksburg where there is a bunch of road research going on.
Uh... "The Gross Domestic Product of Virginia was $397 billion in 2008. As of 2000, Virginia had the highest number of counties in the top one-hundred wealthiest jurisdictions in the United States based upon median income. Virginia is home to eighteen Fortune 500 companies, ranking the state tenth nationwide." Only CA, FL, IL, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA and TX have higher GDPs, and keep in mind VA's population is (sometimes much) lower than all them. I think you're thinking of West Virginia.
Really? It always seems so lovely when I visit. I'm not a fan of VDOT, but otherwise... Okay, NOVA is a bit sprawly, and an urban boy like me cringes at that, but it's very NICE sprawl!
I would have to disagree. Some of the wealthiest cities and counties in the US are located in Virginia. I'd say the culprit has more to do with not raising the gas tax for over 2 decades, despite the costs of construction soaring and much more traffic than 20+ years ago.
Various plans have been floated to widen I-81, including a proposal to build toll truck-only lanes. Funding is the major obstacle since Virginia hasn't raised its gas tax since about 1986.
They reconstructed that US 11-460 interchange while I was a student at Virginia Tech... I want to say they were finished in 2003. I was so happy when they finally did finish it though.
Four lanes really is too few between Roanoke and Christiansburg, especially considering how the area has grown.
papilgee4evaeva 1 month ago
Reminds of the days back in the late 70's and early 80's when I used to drive to/from Virginia Tech.
jmvfrva 2 months ago
Driven I-81 from Danridge, TN/ 25E to Blacksburg, VA...for an interstate in the Appalachians, it was a rather smooth ride
madbengalsfan85 2 months ago
This video has to be my most favorite of all! Love the music and the video is excellent. Love it!
general849 2 months ago
@general849 Thank you!
Freewayjim 2 months ago
Could you try doing I-81 to I-40 sometime? I've already got a glimpse of Tennessee when I was at Bristol International Speedway.
KTNUSA 3 months ago
@KTNUSA That's not really someplace I usually go to but if I get the chance I'd probably film it.
Freewayjim 3 months ago
nice song
em2729 3 months ago
@em2729 Thanks, glad you liked it!
Freewayjim 3 months ago
great concept! now pull over i gotta pee...........lol
artistfisherman 5 months ago
@artistfisherman LOL, good one!
Freewayjim 5 months ago
hey jim are you gonna do a video of i 78/us22 to i 81 to harrisburg?
Logster21 11 months ago
@Logster21 Probably not, that's not a very interesting road IMO.
Freewayjim 11 months ago
@Freewayjim do you mean i 78?
Logster21 11 months ago
@Logster21 Yes, that's what you referred to. I-78 around Easton isn't too bad though but west of I-476 is forgettable.
Freewayjim 11 months ago
this road is great and making it a 6 lane would ruin it, we live in the country! :)
jenniferritchie91 11 months ago
Enjoyed the video, that white Dodge dually was really gettin down the road there for a while!! Nice scenery, I've driven this several times and always enjoy it despite all the trucks.
cochrab 11 months ago
I am going to be driving this stretch on my way to Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN. Coming from the Canadian Maritimes (2450km) we'll be on the 81 starting in Harrisburg, PA and was looking to get a feel for some of this drive because it looks very very boring with nothing to look at but trees and grass. Nice to see some nice terrain will welcome us along the way though!
CJayceeP 1 year ago
@CJayceeP I-81 is very scenic and interesting through Virginia, and there ais a nice section between I-78 and I-80 in PA as well, otherwise, typical rural interstate.
Freewayjim 1 year ago
@Freewayjim Great to hear, and thank you for the great vid. I love looks of those hills/mountains.
CJayceeP 1 year ago
@CJayceeP Just be on your toes, I-81 is the heaviest truck route east of the Mississippi river, but yeah Virginia is the highlight of the trip, especially between I-66 and I-77.
Freewayjim 1 year ago
@Freewayjim I noticed the trucks! I lived in Southern Ontario and commuted on the 401 which is not only the busiest highway in North America, but the busiest truck route in the world so I will definitely be on my toes. It would be really bizarre to be in a traffic jam sitting in my little cavalier surrounded by trucks! It really causes a lot of congestion. Heading to Bonnaroo in my new wrangler though. Hoping to go topless the whole way :).
CJayceeP 1 year ago
Nice work on this video me an the wife are making a trip down 81 to tenn this summer an really looking foward to it after seeing your videos i watch all your videos i,m from philly an i seen that one you done thanks. Steve
STEVE6965 1 year ago
@STEVE6965 Thank you, I hope you have a great trip!
Freewayjim 1 year ago
If ya go past exit 43 on 81 honk your horn i live ariund their
saleens66 1 year ago
I-81 could use some extra lanes all the way to its junction with I-40, especially with the speed increase.
xEV1LANG3Lx 1 year ago
its a death trap. The speed limit is now 70, that means the truckers will go 80 and flat run over your ass without giving a shit. It was so foggy and raining on my way to Radford yesterday, had my wife and small kids with me, had to push up to 85 because a truck behind me right on my bumper, at the same time a truck in front of me, beside me, and another coming of and exit ramp beside me not about to slow down. The state of Va must want all of its motorist to die a bloody death in a crash.
ClassicRockfan79 1 year ago
I think this is my favorite video of yours so far. So beautiful..
epitomeofpissed 1 year ago
@epitomeofpissed Thank you! it is a nice ride.
Freewayjim 1 year ago
i drove on I-81 to visit Virginia Tech. so many trucks!!!!!
trashdunka99 1 year ago
@trashdunka99 It is indeed one of the busiest truck routes east of the Mississippi River.
Freewayjim 1 year ago
I just love watching your videos..... of Interstate 81..... just before we live for our vacations...... we drive from Montreal to Fort lauderdale.....
Keep up the good work !! :-)
didimichou 1 year ago
Great Stuff. Two mates and I did 2 months in the US in '07. Stayed 2 nights in Christianburg. This has brought back some wonderful memories. Also I loved the 65mph+ speed limits.
bullsnutsoz 1 year ago
I drove on this today. Amazing how you could know exactly the mile numbers! Good for you!
NancyToday 1 year ago
I miss the mountains in Virginia. I now live in Shreveport and Bossier City area and it is flat and there are no mountains
Digatone 1 year ago
@Digatone
Nah...Shreveport is worse than being flat. Well, east of Bayou Pierre it gets the lovely flat look that reminds me of South LA. But mostly we have hills that aren't big or defined enough to be real hills. We're just plain boring.
RoyalGrigsby 1 year ago
their at the last part of your video i was raised their about half a mile past the 114 exit this was so neat wow! thanks for posting
halloweenoct31 1 year ago
@halloweenoct31 - You are welcome, that's pretty cool.
Freewayjim 1 year ago
This is to fast
Thejeppischannel 1 year ago
@Thejeppischannel: It's sped up about 3.5x
Freewayjim 1 year ago
great footage
michellehogan123 1 year ago
@michellehogan123: Thank you!
Freewayjim 1 year ago
Not really the middle of nowhere...now Wyoming...;
JoeNJ1 1 year ago
Without the trucks on I-81, you would have a little bit more compliance with lane courtesy from other drivers. The out of state drivers most notably on I-81 are usually from Ontario and upstate New York which are less likely to be left lane hogs. I prefer US 29 going through VA than the north-south interstates.
jerseyman4 1 year ago
I agree with you Freewayjim, pass other cars to keep the view clear. Sitting behind left lane hogs the whole time would have ruined the video. I've always been a keep right driver anyway, it makes the trip more pleasant.
adogg619 2 years ago
Thank you!!!!!!!
Freewayjim 2 years ago
YES, ANOTHER GOOD SEGER TUNE. BUT THEN I DON'T DISLIKE MANY.
MY VERY FAVORITE IS AMERICAN STORM. TRY THAT ONE ON ONE OF YOUR TRIPS. HAVE YOU HEARD HIS LATEST CD, EARLY SEGER.? " DAYS WHEN THE RAIN WOULD COME" GOOD ONE TOO. A BUNCH OF ROADHOGS AND WEAVERS ON THIS TRIP. oNE GUY SURE IN A HURRY LOL
segerrocks 2 years ago
I've drove that stretch many, many times...thanks for the memories, beautiful country!
TBaker1964 2 years ago
I noticed in all you vids Freeway Jim...NOBODY passes you...lol...you're the fastest car on the road...except your NYC metro area vids, but you pass 98% of the traffic...have you ever raced another car that tried to consistently maintain 90+ mph on the interstate?? Probably since you dont drive during rush hour, there aren't any fast drivers out.
KDogggRock 2 years ago
I pass cars to keep the view clear, but rarely am I over 80 MPH and no I've never tried to race anybody that wanted to go fast, I just let em go.
Freewayjim 2 years ago
just curious...thanks...
KDogggRock 2 years ago
is this like deliverance land?
Christianbaleisahunk 2 years ago
Freeway Jim...you need to do I-77 from I-81 to WV to I-64. Very curvy and scenic...much more than I-81. And there are two long mountain tunnels maintained by VDOT ...East River and Big Walker, even tho the latter is in WV.
KDogggRock 2 years ago
oooops...East River is the tunnel thats half in WV and half VA, but maintained by VDOT. Big Walker is 20 miles in VA before you get to the state line with WV.
KDogggRock 2 years ago
81 is nice i'll be traveling that home, leaving virginia tech to go to Rhode island for the holiday, cant wait
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2009ForJesus 2 years ago
I love this video--what an excellent concept! I live in Northern Virginia & have travelled this corridor of I-81 several times making the journey home to North Alabama--it is a pretty & fun drive. You think like I do when I drive ") very funny comments . . . great pacing, music, filming & editing. Oh, I was so happy when you passed the white van--haha! I was thinking: oh, he needs some free open road & this van is blocking the view! Safe journeys & travelling mercies!
GodEqualsLove4ever 2 years ago
Thank you, these videos are a lot of fun to make, glad you enjoyed it.
Freewayjim 2 years ago
Beautiful video of SW Virginia! Born and raised here! Just moved to Florida recently and I will be moving back next year, Its Flat, hot, and humid! Nobody ever truly appriciates the mountains until they dont have them anymore!!! GO HOKIES!!!!
hotrod24354 2 years ago
even though I live in Hampton roads, I am from this area. This is where I grew up. It is breathtakingly beautiful through here.
But I truly do agree with you. I-81 does need to be upgraded badly.....they have actually done reports and specials about how treacherous driving through there is especially with all the truck traffic. At least three lanes in each dierction wil do it.
And the area that is etween Roanoke and the New River Valley is possibly one of the most conjested parts of I-81
tmap92 2 years ago
I think it is a good place for camping.
nice ride!!.
CAMINOANDALUZ 2 years ago
Adding more lanes, even just one per carriageway, adds traffic. If they ever build actual high speed rail (125mph+) to Charlottesville, Blacksburg, and eventually Atlanta via that corridor, that may alleviate a lot of the traffic.
bbukfan 2 years ago
I like the guy in the white dodge truck, he does not fool around.
amyisindallas 2 years ago
Jim
Do you have any Myrttle Beach videos?
waggeo99 2 years ago
No, I have never been there.
Freewayjim 2 years ago
Middle of nowhere? your about 10 minutes from Virginia Tech.
bluer111 2 years ago
Nice Video can't wait til the next one and great music also!!!
christana2008 2 years ago
THe questions I always ask!!!!! 1:42
Gwinneco 2 years ago
I been to a couple of metropolitan areas and I don't think they have 6 lanes anywhere, other than ATLanta. (I ve been to chicago, houston, miami boston, dc, ny) From what I remember.
Gwinneco 2 years ago
I primarly live in Afton virginia.
1petealmquist1 2 years ago
Love taking the "mountain route" on the way to Florida!!! I go from Mass 90-84-81-77-26-95 to Fla. With the less traffic, it takes about the same time as going I-95
rstp354 2 years ago
cool . cant wait for the next video
ScrewdUpClick2000 2 years ago
i live in virginia this is a really good video
candygirl332 2 years ago
Boy those drivers would be run off the road up here in Massachusetts... I hate lazy left laners!!! Or triple L's as we like to call em'!! Ive actually driven into the breakdown lane to get around someone when the road gets to tight and ppl aren't going fast enough...
integgy95 2 years ago
Wait till you see the next video.
Freewayjim 2 years ago
I hope I-81 gets widened soon.
1petealmquist1 2 years ago
I've driven/riden this stretch of road many times as a kid and young adult. Nice match of music to scenery. 5 Stars...
necroslair 2 years ago
I've driven this many times. I think that the stretch near Blacksburg where it widens is to allow for waiting and traffic offloading for Va Tech football games.
There's also a "smart highway" near Blacksburg where there is a bunch of road research going on.
redbeard00001 2 years ago
Nice freeway. Viriginia's going to have to do better with its speed limits. 65 is too slow for rural, Interstate-grade roads.
Bryant5493 2 years ago
i haven't been on this part of i-81 in a while
mmt2853 2 years ago
Awesome video, 5 stars.
Love western Virginia.
aswchris 2 years ago
Around 1:50, I think the truck driver was trying to merge over to the left in advance, to pass the FedEx driver.
FreewayBrent 2 years ago
Awesome freeway and video. Hopefully I'll get to do this freeway in about 10 days from now.
Any long term plans to widen this freeway??
FreewayBrent 2 years ago
not a chance virginia is one of the poorest states
eyesofawulf 2 years ago
Huh? Virginia is not a poor state, it is just being cheap because the Republicans won't agree to a gas tax increase.
bmpowell 2 years ago
Uh... "The Gross Domestic Product of Virginia was $397 billion in 2008. As of 2000, Virginia had the highest number of counties in the top one-hundred wealthiest jurisdictions in the United States based upon median income. Virginia is home to eighteen Fortune 500 companies, ranking the state tenth nationwide." Only CA, FL, IL, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA and TX have higher GDPs, and keep in mind VA's population is (sometimes much) lower than all them. I think you're thinking of West Virginia.
DarthFastidious 2 years ago
i was actually jokeing cause i live in virginia and i hate the state
eyesofawulf 2 years ago
Really? It always seems so lovely when I visit. I'm not a fan of VDOT, but otherwise... Okay, NOVA is a bit sprawly, and an urban boy like me cringes at that, but it's very NICE sprawl!
DarthFastidious 2 years ago
I would have to disagree. Some of the wealthiest cities and counties in the US are located in Virginia. I'd say the culprit has more to do with not raising the gas tax for over 2 decades, despite the costs of construction soaring and much more traffic than 20+ years ago.
FreewayBrent 2 years ago
Various plans have been floated to widen I-81, including a proposal to build toll truck-only lanes. Funding is the major obstacle since Virginia hasn't raised its gas tax since about 1986.
bmpowell 2 years ago