Home VDOT working to make Thanksgiving travel weekend safe
Region/State

VDOT working to make Thanksgiving travel weekend safe

Chris Graham
virginia politics
(© josephsjacobs – stock.adobe.com)

VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24, until noon on Monday, Nov. 29.

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.

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, the busiest travel day is on Tuesday with heavy congestion between noon and 8 p.m. and moderate congestion throughout the day. Heavy congestion is also expected on Wednesday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. with moderate congestion during the shoulder hours. Saturday shows moderate congestion between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Northern Virginia

  • All HOV restrictions on Interstate 66 and rush-hour tolls on the 66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway will be lifted on Thursday, Nov. 25.
  • Find directional schedules for the reversible 95 and 395 express lanes, and information for the 495 Express Lanes at www.expresslanes.com.

Hampton Roads

  • I-64/I-264/I-564 HOV Diamond Lanes and 64 Express Lanes – HOV Restrictions and Express Lanes tolls will be lifted on Thursday, Nov. 25. The 64 Express Lanes in Norfolk are free and open to motorists outside of normal operating hours. To learn more about the 64 Express Lanes, visit www.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
  • Slow down for snowy and icy roadways
  • 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

Real-time traffic info

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.

To report a road problem or get answers to transportation questions, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center around the clock at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).




Multimedia

 

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

Latest News

trevor dunbar uva track and field
Go 'Hoos, Sports

UVA Track and Field: Trevor Dunbar hires Sam Bradley to his new staff

uva football kam robinson
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: Status reports on Kam Robinson, more as training camp winds down

UVA Football coach Tony Elliott met with reporters for the final time in training camp on Monday, with the focus by midweek shifting to the Week 0 season opener with NC State on Saturday, Aug. 29 – 12 days away, at this writing.

facebook
Trump's America

Suit alleging that Meta intentionally addicts children, teens finally gets to trial

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones didn’t pull his punches ahead of opening arguments in the multi-state suit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Tom Perriello
Virginia Politics

New poll suggests Tom Perriello has a good shot in the Fifth District

donald trump golf
Trump's America

Trump threatens Oman, South Korea: Warner asks – whose side is Trump on?

uva basketball
Basketball, Go 'Hoos

Women’s Basketball: UVA, JMU announce three-year series beginning in November

staunton amtrak station
Local

Staunton: Who is responsible for the $15.6 million for Amtrak station upgrades?