The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend by lifting many highway work zones and temporary lane closures. This change will take effect from noon on Friday, May 23, until noon on Tuesday, May 27, to accommodate increased travel as the summer season begins.
While most lane closures will be removed, some semi-permanent work zones may still be in place. Travelers are advised to check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for current updates on road conditions throughout Virginia.
VDOT offers several resources to help motorists plan their journeys in advance. The free mobile app 511 Virginia provides information on construction, traffic incidents, congestion, and more. It also includes access to traffic cameras and weather updates. Motorists can call 511 for hands-free traffic alerts while driving. Additional details can be found at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.
For those traveling during the holiday period, the 511 Virginia website features a travel trends map that indicates peak congestion times on Virginia interstates based on historical data. While it cannot predict exact congestion times this year, it can help travelers avoid traditionally slow-moving periods.
Travelers using Northern Virginia Express Lanes can find schedules and additional information at expresslanes.com. For those heading to Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks, alternative routes such as I-664 and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel are recommended due to ongoing construction affecting other routes.
To ensure safety during holiday travels, VDOT advises drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, adhere to speed limits, and follow mile marker signs for emergency assistance if needed. Rest stops along highways offer places for breaks and proper disposal of trash.
Additionally, motorists are reminded of the “Move Over” law which requires them to shift lanes or reduce speed when approaching vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the roadside.
