The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – As hungry holiday travelers make plans to feast with friends and family this Thanksgiving, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will ease travel on the roadways by suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 23, until noon on Monday, Nov. 28.
While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. A full listing of those lane closures can be found on VDOT’s website.
Additionally, VDOT has a number of resources available for holiday travelers to plan ahead, adjust for traffic and road conditions and stay safe to and from their destinations.
TRAVEL-TRENDS MAP HELPS PREDICT PEAK CONGESTION
Based on historical data, VDOT’s online, interactive travel-trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period.
While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists plan travel around when roads have historically been busiest.
Based on the traffic data, periods of heavy congestion are most likely to occur from mid-morning to evening on Wednesday, Nov. 23, afternoon on Saturday, Nov. 26, and all day on Sunday, Nov. 27. Additionally, routes to and from Northern Virginia are likely to be heavily congested mid-morning to late evening on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFO IS 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 and more. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) SCHEDULE AND OTHER INFORMATION
On Thursday, Nov. 24, the following will apply on Interstate 66 in Northern Virginia:
- Tolls and HOV restrictions will be lifted on the 66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway between I-495 and Route 29 in Rosslyn, which are operated during rush hours on weekdays only.
- Tolls and HOV rules (free travel with an E-ZPass Flex and 2 people in the car), will be in effect on the 66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway between I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Route 29 in Gainesville in areas where the 66 Express Lanes are in operation, as designated on roadway signs.
- HOV restrictions will be lifted on I-66 between Route 29 in Gainesville and Route 15 in Haymarket.
Find directional schedules for the reversible 95 and 395 express lanes, and information for the 495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com.
HAMPTON ROADS HOV SCHEDULE, TUNNELS AND OTHER INFORMATION
- I-64/I-264/I-564 HOV Diamond Lanes – HOV Restrictions will be lifted on Thursday, Nov. 24.
- 64 Express Lanes – Rush-hour tolls on the 64 Express Lanes in Norfolk will be lifted on Thursday, Nov. 24. To learn more about the 64 Express Lanes, visit 64expresslanes.org.
STAY SAFE
It’s everyone’s responsibility to drive responsibly. Do your part to make travel safer for all:
- If you plan to drink, have a designated driver
- Buckle up and ensure children and car seats are secured
- In the event of any winter weather threat, travelers should pay close attention to forecasts, official announcements and advisories, and should adjust travel based on conditions
- Use signals for lane changes and turns
- Take a break if you are drowsy
- Keep an emergency preparedness kit in case of a breakdown in the cold
- Don’t drive distracted, and speak up if someone else is doing so
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).
