Navigating Interstate 95 can be challenging, especially when unexpected traffic stops disrupt your journey. If you’re asking “Why Is Traffic Stopped On I-95 Today?”, particularly in the Fredericksburg area, the answer lies in ongoing infrastructure improvements designed to ease congestion in the long run. This week, overnight travelers should be prepared for scheduled full traffic stops and ramp closures as part of critical projects aimed at expanding I-95’s capacity.
The primary reason for these disruptions is the construction of the 95 Express Lanes extension and the Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project. These two significant initiatives are simultaneously underway to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in the Fredericksburg region, a known chokepoint for I-95. The goal is to enhance traffic flow and reduce commute times once completed, but, in the short term, this necessitates overnight lane closures and temporary traffic halts.
One major project causing these temporary stops is the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension. This project will extend the express lanes by 10 miles, from south of exit 143 (Route 610) to around exit 133 (Route 17). Adding three new access points at exit 148 (Quantico), exit 140 (Courthouse Road), and exit 133, this expansion aims to provide a smoother, faster option for commuters. Construction for this ambitious project, managed by Transurban and Branch-Flatiron Joint Venture, is actively progressing, leading to overnight lane adjustments and sign installations.
Another key factor contributing to I-95 traffic changes is the Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project. Upon its completion, this will create six northbound lanes across the Rappahannock River between exit 130 (Route 3) and exit 133. Furthermore, a fourth auxiliary lane is being added to I-95 northbound from exit 133 to exit 136 (Centreport Parkway). These enhancements are vital for increasing capacity and reducing congestion at this critical river crossing.
Specific Traffic Impacts This Week (May 22 – May 26):
This week, starting May 22nd, overnight travelers will experience the most direct impacts. To install overhead signs, I-95 northbound will be reduced to a single lane near exit 133 (Route 17) to exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) in Stafford County each night until early Friday.
Crucially, between midnight and 3 a.m. each night, expect intermittent full traffic stops on I-95 northbound north of the exit 133 interchange. These stops can last up to 30 minutes at a time. All northbound lanes are scheduled to reopen by 4:30 a.m. each morning.
Adding to the overnight disruptions, the exit 133 on-ramp to I-95 northbound will be closed nightly this week from midnight to 3 a.m. Drivers on Route 17 northbound and southbound will need to use alternate interchanges like exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg or exit 136 to access I-95 northbound during these hours.
Furthermore, the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 130 to Route 3 eastbound (towards downtown Fredericksburg) will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, and again from 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, to 4:30 a.m. Thursday, May 25, for pavement repairs. Detours will be in place, directing drivers to use the exit 130 off-ramp to Route 3 westbound and make a U-turn at Carl D. Silver Parkway to access Route 3 eastbound.
Navigating Travel and Finding Updates:
With Memorial Day weekend approaching, it’s especially important to plan ahead. The majority of lane closures on Virginia highways will be lifted from noon Friday, May 26, to noon Tuesday, May 30, for the holiday travel period. However, until then, and for future overnight work throughout 2023, it’s advisable for travelers with destinations beyond Fredericksburg to consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays.
To stay informed about real-time traffic conditions and lane closures, drivers are encouraged to use 511Virginia.org. You can also follow VDOT Fredericksburg District on Twitter @VaDOTFRED or join the Facebook Fredericksburg District group for the latest travel updates.
These temporary traffic stops and closures are a necessary part of the Improve 95 program. While they may cause short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits of expanded express lanes and a wider Rappahannock River crossing will significantly improve traffic flow on I-95 in the Fredericksburg area, ultimately making travel smoother for everyone. The 95 Express Lanes extension is expected to open in late 2023, with overall project completion in spring 2024, while the Rappahannock River Crossing project is slated for completion by May 2024. For more detailed information on these and other I-95 construction projects in the Fredericksburg region, please visit www.Improve95.org.
