VDOT prepares for holiday travel

In preparation for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, VDOT has suspended most lane closures in the area to clear a patch for travelers.

The lane closures are suspended from noon, Friday Dec. 23 to noon Tuesday, Dec. 27, and again from noon Dec. 30 to noon Jan. 3.

"We want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations during the year-end holidays," VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley said in a press release.

VDOT will also closely monitor weather forecasts for snow or ice that could affect travel and is prepared to mobilize in case of inclement weather.

To monitor road conditions and traffic incidents, visit VDOT's travel information site at www.511Virginia.org or www.mobile511virginia.org. The information is also available by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

The Northern Virginia HOV lanes are also operating on a modified schedule during the holiday season. 

On Christmas, the Interstate 95/395 reversible lanes will be open to all traffic southbound from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. The northbound lanes are open from 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at which point HOV-3 takes effect. HOV restrictions on I-95, 395 and 66 are lifted on Dec. 26

For New Year's, the I-95/395 reversible lanes will be open to all traffic southbound from 6 p.m. Dec. 30 until 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Northbound lanes are open from 4 p.m. Dec. 31 until 6 a.m. Jan. 3 when HOV-3 takes effect. HOV restrictions on I-95, 395 and 66 are lifted Jan. 2

Gilmerton Bridge overnight closures are being lifted Friday, Dec. 23 through Jan. 2 and will resume Jan. 3.

HOV diamond lane restrictions on I-64, I-264 and I-564 in Hampton will be lifted on Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26; Dec. 30; and Jan. 2. I-64 reversible lanes will operate with a modified Christmas and New Year's schedule as well:

Thursday, Dec. 22, from 11:30 a.m. - Open to eastbound traffic

Thursday, Dec. 22, from 11:30 p.m. - Open to westbound traffic

Friday, Dec. 23, from 11:30 a.m. - Open to eastbound traffic and remains in this condition through Monday, Dec. 26, at 11:30 p.m.

HOV lanes will resume a restricted schedule at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27

Dec. 29, from 11:30 a.m. - Open to eastbound traffic

Dec. 29, from 11:30 p.m. - Open to westbound traffic

Dec. 30, from 11:30 a.m. - Open to eastbound traffic and remains in this condition through Jan. 2, 2012, at 11:30 p.m.

HOV lanes will resume a restricted schedule at 6 a.m. Jan. 3.

Work zones and lane closures remain in effect at Clifton Forge-Main Street-Smith Creek bridge replacement project; Route 29, at Tye River; Route 250, at Crab Run bridge; Interstate 81 truck-climbing lanes in Montgomery County; Midlothian Turnpike, between Chippenham Parkway and Covington Street; Route 11/460 in Roanoke County; I-81 bridges at Exit 45; and the I-77 and I-81 overlap in Wythe County.

Filed under: COMMUNITY