Interstate 81 is a major corridor for traffic traveling up and down the eastern US. It is useful because it does not require any bypasses as it does not go through any major metropolitan areas. Consequently, there is major traffic both from passenger cars and tractor trailers.

There are major issues with this as follows:

1.) Tractor trailers-These are the most serious issues with this road. They often will occupy both lanes of traffic and travel below the speed limit with no regard to those behind them. They will commonly attempt to pass another tractor trailer only to barely go any faster than the one they are passing causing major slow downs. An overwhelming majority of the accidents involve them. They pose a serious hazard when it's raining because the spray coming off their tires can be so severe it makes it very difficult to see the road even with wipers on full.

2.) Passenger cars-There are far too many cars on the road for two lanes to support them all. It's routine for one car to cruise in the passing lane at exactly the speed limit which will cause a long line to form behind them with each subsequent car going slightly slower than the one ahead of them. On any given day it's common to see huge lines of cars in both lanes because there are so many people from other states using the interstate to travel north or south.

3.) Accidents-These are inevitable due to the high volume of traffic 81 sees daily. Backups that are miles long are routine, especially in Rockingham and Augusta counties. This is turn causes traffic issues on Route 11 as car and trucks attempt to go around the accident.

There is only one logical solution to the problem and that is to widen the road. Of course this would be an extreme expense, but it's necessary. Construction on 81 began in the late 1950's and early 60's. This is nearly 60 years ago. Traffic has changed dramatically since then but the interstate has not changed with it. Even if it's not possible to widen the entire thing, studies need to be done to see where traffic backs up the most and at least widen parts of it. It's time to think about the future because it's only going to get worse.