Venturing out on the roads for one final summer holiday weekend? Planning ahead could make all the difference between smooth sailing or getting stuck in congestion.
Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer season, and whether it is to explore one of Virginia’s many scenic trails or lounge at a beach, many people will be traveling through Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to help make the trip a safe one and reminds motorists to be alert.
VDOT will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, Aug. 30, until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.
Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time.
TRAVEL TRENDS MAP HELPS ESTIMATE CONGESTION
VDOT's online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when traffic has historically moved the slowest.
Based on historical data:
- Heavier congestion is expected throughout Virginia on Friday, Aug. 30, and Saturday, Aug. 31. In the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg areas, it is likely travelers will experience heavy congestion on the interstates from mid-morning through early evening on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, Interstate 95 northbound is expected to be heavily congested between Richmond and Fredericksburg throughout the day on Monday.
- Heavy congestion is also expected on Interstate 64 in the Hampton Roads area throughout the holiday period, especially around the bridges and tunnels.
PLAN AHEAD WITH VDOT 511: TRAFFIC INFO 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, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and more. Use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA EXPRESS LANES SCHEDULE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Find directional schedules for the reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes, and information for the I-495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com.
HAMPTON ROADS TUNNELS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Travel to Virginia Beach — Peninsula traffic to Virginia Beach is encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) as an alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). If traveling to Virginia Beach, take I-664 south to the MMMBT. Then take the Portsmouth/Norfolk exit (exit 15A) to I-264 east to Virginia Beach.
Travel to Outer Banks — Traffic to North Carolina’s Outer Banks should use I-664 and the MMMBT as an alternative to the HRBT to save time. From I-664 south, take I-64 west (exit 15, Chesapeake/Virginia Beach) to exit 291B [Chesapeake Expressway (Route 168)/Great Bridge/Nags Head]. Continue south on Route 168 to the Outer Banks.
STAY SAFE
Here are some additional tips for safely navigating the roadways during the holiday weekend:
- Buckle up every time and ensure passengers and car seats are secured.
- If you plan to drink, have a designated driver.
- Be patient and follow the posted speed limit, and consider leaving early to allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Put your phone down and don’t drive distracted.
- Identify rest areas in advance and take a break to avoid drowsy driving.
- If an outdoor recreation site is full, never park along road shoulders, as this is not safe for those on the roadway, including emergency response vehicles.
- Use caution as more pedestrians and cyclists are outdoors taking advantage of warm weather.
- 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.
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).