The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on March 30 that it will suspend many highway work zones and lift temporary lane closures on interstates and major roads throughout the state from noon Friday, April 3 until noon Tuesday, April 7. The measure is intended to help travelers move more safely and efficiently during the Easter holiday weekend.
The decision aims to ease congestion and reduce delays as people travel for the holiday. While most lane closures will be lifted, some semi-permanent work zones may remain in place. Travelers are encouraged to check VDOT’s travel advisories for updates in their area.
VDOT provides several resources to assist with trip planning, including its website and free mobile app at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, which offer real-time information about construction, traffic incidents, congestion, weather conditions, electric vehicle charging stations and more. Drivers can also call 511 from any phone in Virginia for hands-free audible traffic alerts along their route.
For those traveling in Northern Virginia or heading toward beach destinations, VDOT recommends using alternative routes such as the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel during construction at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. No planned work requiring lane closures is scheduled at any water crossings during the Easter period.
April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month. VDOT reminds drivers that they play a key role in road safety by taking steps such as putting phones away or enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving; securing children and pets before starting a trip; storing loose items safely; eating meals before or after trips rather than while driving; and paying attention when approaching vehicles stopped with flashing lights on road shoulders.
According to the official website, VDOT’s mission focuses on building, maintaining and operating roads, bridges and tunnels across Virginia to support a safe transportation system. The agency manages one of the largest state highway systems nationwide—spanning tens of thousands of lane-miles—and offers services like highway maintenance, traffic management through tools such as Virginia 511, and oversight of land-use permits along state routes according to VDOT. As a state agency headquartered at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official site, VDOT has evolved since its origins with the State Highway Commission established in 1906 according to historical records.
