VDOT prepares for holiday rush with reduced roadwork and expanded traffic information services

Roanoke, Virginia – As the holiday season approaches and travelers prepare for last-minute shopping or family gatherings, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is rolling out a wide range of tools and resources to help keep roadways safe and traffic moving smoothly. From suspending highway work zones to offering real-time travel updates, VDOT’s efforts aim to spread cheer and reduce travel stress across the Commonwealth.

Lane Closures Suspended for Holiday Travel

To ease congestion and improve safety during the busiest travel times, VDOT announced it will lift temporary lane closures and suspend most highway work zones on interstates and major roads in Virginia during two key holiday periods:

• From noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24 through noon on Friday, Dec. 26

• From noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31 through noon on Friday, Jan. 2

While many restrictions will be lifted, motorists should remain alert for semi-permanent work zones that will stay in place. For up-to-date details about traffic conditions and ongoing construction, drivers are encouraged to check VDOT’s Travel Advisories before hitting the road.

Real-Time Traffic Tools with VDOT 511

VDOT urges travelers to take advantage of its free 511 Virginia mobile app, a comprehensive traffic information resource that includes:

• Construction alerts

• Traffic delays and incidents

• Congestion reports

• Traffic cameras

• Weather conditions

• Electric vehicle charging station locations

Drivers can also call 511 from any phone in Virginia to use the “speak ahead” feature, which gives hands-free, audible traffic alerts for any route.

The website 511.virginia.gov provides additional tools, including Holiday Travel Trend Maps that show historically congested timeframes for December 24–26 and December 31–January 2. While these maps cannot predict exact traffic volumes, they help motorists better time their trips by avoiding past peak congestion periods.

Regional Alerts for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads

VDOT also offers region-specific guidance for those traveling in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads:

• Express Lanes: For drivers using the I-95, I-395, or I-495 Express Lanes, updated directional schedules can be found at expresslanes.com.

• Hampton Roads Crossings: Drivers crossing between the Peninsula and Southside areas are urged to consider alternate routes like the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, Route 17 James River Bridge, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, or I-95 to avoid delays tied to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project.

Travelers should be especially cautious using the Route 17 George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, where mechanical issues may cause delays up to 45–60 minutes during bridge openings.

Travel Tips for a Safe and Joyful Journey

To keep holiday trips as safe as possible, VDOT encourages all drivers to:

• Buckle up and ensure children and car seats are properly secured

• Avoid distractions by putting phones away while driving

• Never drive impaired; always assign a designated driver

• Report dangerous drivers by calling 911 when it’s safe

• Prepare vehicles by checking tire pressure, wiper blades, and fluid levels

• Leave early to allow extra time for reaching your destination

• Rest when tired using one of 40+ VDOT rest areas

• Follow the “Move Over” law, giving space to vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the roadside

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, residents can reach VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

With these resources and safety measures, VDOT aims to ensure all Virginians experience a safe, smooth, and joyful holiday journey this season.