Old Dominion News

Spring brings the Easter season and many are preparing to travel for the holiday weekend. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) aims to ease this journey by suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures from noon on Friday, April 18, until noon on Tuesday, April 22.

"However, lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time," advises VDOT, urging travelers to check the latest travel alerts through VDOT's Travel Advisories.

For those planning their trips, VDOT offers several resources including the VDOT 511 mobile app, which provides real-time traffic information, and the "speak ahead" feature for audible traffic alerts. This information is also accessible on the 511.vdot.virginia.gov website or by calling 511 within Virginia.

Travelers using the Northern Virginia Express Lanes can find relevant schedules at expresslanes.com. Additionally, those going to Virginia Beach are encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel and then I-264 east. Travelers to the Outer Banks should take I-664 to I-64 west, continuing south on Route 168.

VDOT also reminds motorists of safe driving practices during the holiday weekend, such as using seat belts, adhering to speed limits, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and obeying the "Move Over" law for vehicles with flashing lights or warning signs.