VDOT Lifts Lane Closures for Thanksgiving Holiday

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

VDOT Lifts Lane Closures for Thanksgiving Holiday

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is lifting lane closures during the five-day Thanksgiving travel period to keep interstates and highways clear for motorists as they travel to their holiday destinations.

VDOT will lift lane closures on most interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon Wednesday, Nov. 27, until noon Monday, Dec. 2.

According to a VDOT press release, more than 43 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving last year, and approximately 90 percent of those travelers went by road. The same or greater numbers are likely again this year.

Travel Trend Maps

VDOT has posted maps online that show peak congestion periods on Virginia interstates over the three previous Thanksgiving holidays (2010-2012). Mobile devices can also view a specially-designed version of the maps, so motorists can consult the trends on the go. The travel-trend maps are at http://people.virginia.edu/~seb4v/Thanksgiving2013/

Northern Virginia High Occupancy Vehicle Schedule

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) restrictions on interstates 66, 95 and 395 will be lifted on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28. Normal HOV restrictions will be in place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 29.
Direction schedule for I-95/I-395 reversible lanes: Lanes will be southbound from 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, until midnight Thursday, Nov. 28. Lanes reopen northbound by 2 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, and will remain northbound through 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29. Lanes will reopen southbound by 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, and remain southbound through 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Lanes will reopen northbound by 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and continue northbound for the remainder of the weekend.

I-95 Express Lanes construction: VDOT will restrict lane closures on I-95 in the Express Lanes work zone from 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, to Monday, Dec. 2, at noon.

Travel Safety

While you're traveling this week for the holidays, keep these safety tips in mind:

Buckle up
Avoid distractions
Share the road
Drive drug- and alcohol-free
Obey speed limits

And while you're on the roadways, remember 511Virginia. Get real-time information on traffic incidents and congestion on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or the 511Virginia website and phone system. 511Virginia allows users to view real-time traffic cameras and see estimated travel times, electronic message signs and traffic maps, which can help travelers plan their routes accordingly.