Smooth roads ahead: VDOT’s July 4th gift to Virginia travelers

As the summer break commences and the Fourth of July celebrations are in sight, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has taken a step to ensure that travelers enjoy a smooth journey to their holiday destinations. VDOT announced that it would suspend most highway work zones and lift most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Monday, July 3, until noon on Wednesday, July 5.

Though most lane closures will be lifted, travelers may encounter some semi-permanent work zones that will remain in place during this period. VDOT encourages travelers to check its Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories for the most recent updates in their area and across the state.

In a bid to make the journey less tedious, VDOT has introduced an online, interactive travel trends map that predicts peak congestion periods based on historical data. Though the map can’t exactly predict congestion, it provides a roadmap of periods when roads have historically been busiest.

As per historical data, VDOT anticipates moderate to heavy congestion on Friday, June 30, between noon and 6 p.m. Travel routes to and from Virginia Beach are also predicted to be heavily trafficked on Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4, from mid-morning to evening, especially near the tunnels.

To facilitate real-time traffic updates, VDOT offers a free mobile 511 app that gives information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, EV charging stations, and more. Travelers can also access traffic information at 511Virginia.org or by dialing 511.

For Independence Day, rush-hour tolls on the 66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway and I-64/I-264/I-564 HOV Diamond Lanes and 64 Express Lanes’ HOV restrictions and Express Lanes tolls will be lifted.

While these steps by VDOT are aimed at ensuring smooth travel, safety remains paramount. Travelers are urged to exercise responsible driving. They are encouraged to use designated drivers if they plan to drink, avoid distractions while driving, buckle up, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, use signals for lane changes and turns, and not leave children, elderly persons, or pets in parked cars on hot days. Any hazardous road conditions can be reported to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center.

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).