VDOT is advising drivers to expect overnight delays on Interstate 95 as construction continues on eight bridges in the Fredericksburg area, including two I-95 overpasses.
Crews will need to stop all I-95 traffic up to 30 minutes at a time between midnight and 3 a.m. to safely complete bridge work near exit 126 (Spotsylvania) and near exit 136 (Centreport Parkway).
In Spotsylvania County, bridge demolition will resume of the former Route 17 (Mills Drive) overpass, which is located on I-95 at mile marker 125. Since this work requires intermittent full traffic stops, bridge demolition can only occur during the overnight hours to limit the impact to travelers on I-95. Nearby residents will hear the nighttime operations. Demolition is expected to be complete by the end of the month.
Route 17 traffic was most recently shifted to a new section of road and bridge as part of the overpass replacement and widening project just east of the Hospital Boulevard/Germanna Point Drive intersection.
Bridge beam installation for the replacement American Legion Road overpass in Stafford County is scheduled this week as part of the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project. This overpass is under construction at mile marker 138, which is between exit 140 (Courthouse Road) and exit 136.
Starting at 10 p.m., I-95 will be to one lane near the work zones each evening ahead of the 30-minute interval traffic stops starting tonight, Oct. 17 through early Friday, Oct. 21.
After each full traffic stop, congestion will be allowed to clear.
For real-time updates on work zones and traffic conditions, please check 511Virginia.org.
Project Background
95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension
Currently, crews are building a 10-mile extension of the Express Lanes in the median of I-95 from south of exit 143 (Route 610) to the vicinity of exit 133 (Route 17) in Stafford.
There are six bridges under construction as part of this project. Four of the bridges are flyover ramps that will give travelers new access points to the Express Lanes at exit 148 (Quantico), exit 140 and exit 133 (Route 17).
The extended facility is expected to open to traffic in late 2023, with project completion in spring 2024.
The public-private project is being built by Transurban and its contractor, Branch Flatiron Joint Venture.
For additional project information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.
I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing Project
Work is underway to build a second I-95 northbound bridge across the Rappahannock River and three additional lanes between exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg to exit 133. A fourth northbound lane is also being built between exit 133 to exit 136 (Centreport Parkway).
The I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project will also rebuild the last Route 17 overpass in need of replacement at the exit 133 interchange and build sidewalks along northbound Route 17 between Short Street and South Gateway Drive.
Construction on the $127 million I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project began in fall 2020 and expected to be complete in spring 2024.
Please visit Improve95.org for additional information.
Route 17 Overpass Replacement and Widening Project
Construction on the $23.5 million bridge replacement and widening project started in late December 2020.
Route 17 will be expanded to four travel lanes between Latitude Street and just east of the Hospital Boulevard and Germanna Point Drive intersection.
A shared-use path for pedestrians will be built along the southern side of Route 17 and sidewalk will be built along the northern side of Route 17. Pedestrian crossing equipment and crosswalks will be added at intersection crossing locations.
The new overpass, travel lanes, sidewalk and path will open in early 2024.
For more information, please view the online project page.
511Virginia
Motorists can find real-time information on lane closures, work zones, traffic and other incidents on 511Virginia.
Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or visit http://www.511virginia.org/. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 when they are not operating a motor vehicle or while using a hands-free device.
Do not use a handheld cell phone or mobile device while driving (it’s the law).
Follow VDOT Fredericksburg District on Twitter @VaDOTFRED.
