VDOT lifts lane closures to make for merrier end-of-year holiday travel

RICHMOND, Va. — ‘Tis the season for colorful lights, holiday jingles, and increased travel throughout Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has travel resources available to help make the trip as smooth as eggnog.

VDOT will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, until noon on Thursday, Dec. 26, as well as from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31, until noon on Thursday, Jan. 2.

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.

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

TRAVEL TRENDS MAP HELPS ESTIMATE CONGESTION
VDOT's online, interactive travel trends maps for Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods show peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming holiday travel 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 VDOT 511: TRAFFIC INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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. By calling 511 from any phone in Virginia, use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

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 holiday 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 monitor real-time conditions and consider 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 travel period:

• Buckle up every time 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. 
• Consider leaving early to allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Put your phone down and don’t drive distracted.
• Make sure your car is prepared for traveling in colder temperatures, including checking tire pressure and windshield wiper fluid levels and blades.
• 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. If drivers are unable to move over, they should reduce their speed and use caution.

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).