Prepare For Major Delays On I-95 In Fredericksburg Area Prior To New Traffic Pattern

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Travelers on Interstate 95 in the Fredericksburg area can expect major southbound delays next week as the Virginia Department of Transportation closes lanes to allow crews to conduct paving work.

From 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, there will be a six-mile work zone to shift the traffic pattern between Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) in Stafford County and Exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg.

VDOT crews will be milling and paving, and will uncover new overhead signs that will guide drivers. I-95 southbound travelers are encouraged to choose an alternate route during the scheduled lane closures.

All I-95 northbound lanes will remain open during the traffic shift.

The road work is part of the creation of a new traffic pattern on southbound I-95 in the Fredericksburg area and coincides with the opening of the second I-95 southbound bridge over the Rappahannock River.

Six southbound travel lanes will cross the river, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the $132 million I-95 Southbound Rappahannock Crossing Project. Through-traffic will use the new bridge, while local traffic will use the existing I-95 bridge.

When all I-95 southbound lanes reopen at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, traffic will be divided between local and through lanes over Route 17 and the Rappahannock River.

To access Exit 133 (Route 17), the Virginia Welcome Center, or Exit 130 (Route 3), drivers will need to get in the right-two lanes. For Richmond or any point south of Fredericksburg, drivers will need to get in the three left-most lanes.

Construction on the I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing began in August 2018 and is tracking to be completed in December, VDOT said.