Traffic

VDOT lifts lane closures to ease holiday travel across Virginia

A drone view of Interstate 95 at Exit 126 in Spotsylvania County, where traffic merging with Route 1 has been identified as one of the region’s top crash hot spots. [Photo: VDOT]
“VDOT will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, until noon on Friday, Dec. 26, as well as from noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31, until noon on Friday, Jan. 2,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time.”

“VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle charging stations and more,” VDOT stated.

The lane-closure pause is intended to reduce congestion during peak holiday travel periods across the Commonwealth. VDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead using its 511 travel tools, which include real-time traffic updates, holiday travel trend maps, and hands-free phone alerts. Motorists in Northern Virginia can also check express lane schedules online, while travelers in Hampton Roads are advised to consider alternate routes due to ongoing tunnel construction and extended delays expected at the Route 17 George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge during bridge openings.

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