VDOT lifts lane closures for Thanksgiving holiday travel

RICHMOND, Va. — The Thanksgiving holiday is almost here. That means turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. It also means more people traveling on the roads to visit their loved ones. To help everyone arrive at their destinations safely, VDOT is suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 until noon on Monday, Dec. 2.

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. 

VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time.  

TRAVEL TRENDS MAP HELPS ESTIMATE PEAK CONGESTION

Based on historical data, periods of heavy congestion are most likely to occur from mid-morning to evening on Tuesday and throughout the day on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after Thanksgiving, with pockets of congestion on Saturday near shopping destinations. VDOT's online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion times anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when traffic has historically moved the slowest.

PLAN AHEAD WITH ENHANCED VDOT 511: TRAFFIC INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Upgrades to the 511 website and phone system bring an improved experience for travelers to aid in navigating the roadways this season. The latest version includes highly tailored my511 notifications, faster and clearer traffic cameras, estimated toll pricing pins, new travel time graphics, improved park-and-ride information, and more enhanced map features. To receive travel alerts, users will need to register on 511.vdot.virginia.gov. Travelers can access the 511 system on the website, mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. 
 
NORTHERN VIRGINIA EXPRESS LANES SCHEDULE AND OTHER INFORMATION 

• Find directional schedules for the reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes, and information for the I-495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com. 

HAMPTON ROADS TUNNELS AND OTHER INFORMATION 

• Traveling through Hampton Roads — For Thanksgiving travel requiring water crossings between the Hampton Roads Peninsula and Southside during construction of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes such as the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, the Route 17 James River Bridge, the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry or I-95 to minimize potential delays. 

STAY SAFE 

Here are some additional tips for safely navigating the roadways during the holiday period: 

• Buckle up and ensure passengers and car seats are secured.
• If you plan to drink, have a designated driver, use public transportation or make plans for a rideshare.
• Be patient and follow the posted speed limit and consider leaving early to allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Watch for deer and stay extra alert when driving near areas wildlife frequent.
• Put your phone down and don’t drive distracted.
• If you get fatigued while driving, take a break at one of the more than 40 rest areas open to the public. Nearly all are open 24/7.
• Obey the “Move Over” law, requiring motorists to move over one lane, if possible, for all vehicles with flashing lights, flares or warning signs stopped on the side of the road. 

 For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).