The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that it will suspend many highway work zones and lift most lane closures on interstates and major roads in Virginia for the Labor Day weekend. The suspension will begin at noon on Friday, August 29, and continue until noon on Tuesday, September 2.
Despite the lifted lane closures, VDOT noted that some semi-permanent work zones may remain in place. Travelers are encouraged to check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for updates about travel alerts in their area and across the state.
To assist travelers, VDOT highlighted several resources. The agency’s free mobile 511 app provides information about construction, traffic incidents, congestion, access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and electric vehicle charging stations. By calling 511 from any phone in Virginia, motorists can use the “speak ahead” feature for hands-free audible traffic alerts along their route. Additional information is available at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/.
For those planning trips during the holiday period, the 511 Virginia website features a travel trends map indicating peak congestion periods historically seen on Virginia interstates during Labor Day weekends. While not able to predict exact times of congestion this year, it offers guidance based on previous patterns.
Travelers using express lanes in Northern Virginia can find schedules for reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes as well as information about I-495 Express Lanes at https://www.expresslanes.com/.
VDOT also provided alternate routes for popular destinations like Virginia Beach and North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to ongoing construction at certain tunnels. For example, drivers heading to Virginia Beach from the Peninsula are advised to use I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) instead of Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). Directions include taking I-664 south to MMMBT and then following signs toward Portsmouth/Norfolk via exit 15A onto I-264 east.
For those traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, VDOT recommends using I-664 and MMMBT as alternatives to HRBT before connecting with Route 168 south via Chesapeake Expressway.
VDOT offered safety reminders for holiday travelers:
“Buckle up every time and ensure passengers and car seats are secured.
Put your phone down and don’t drive distracted.
If you plan to drink, have a designated driver. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you feel tired while driving, consider taking a break at one of the more than 40 VDOT safety rest areas along the highways.
Slow down, and drive cautiously through work zones and adhere to all road signage.
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.”
