Walk For Peace To Pass Through Fredericksburg Area Feb. 5-6

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Although the Buddhists monks taking part in the 2,300-mile Walk For Peace will not be making any scheduled stops in the City of Fredericksburg, they will be traveling through the area on Thursday and Friday.

The monks are expected to enter Spotsylvania County mid-morning, traveling northward on U.S. Route 1. A lunch stop is scheduled at the Thornburg fire station, but there will be no opportunity for members of the public to engage with the monks.

"As they pass the Interstate 95 overpass near Southpoint, they will turn right on Market Street before turning right on Spotsylvania Avenue, where the walk concludes for an overnight stop at Lee Hill Building 1, 10300 Spotsylvania Ave., in Spotsylvania County," according to a post on the Fredericksburg Police Department's Facebook page.

The only opportunity on Thursday that the public will be able to engage with the monks is at the end of the day's walk at Lee Hill Building 1, according to police. With temperatures expected to be below freezing, attendees should dress warmly. Attendees should also park in front of the building.

Follow the pilgrimage’s real-time location online.

A private event has been scheduled for Thursday night, giving local officials the opportunity to meet with the group.

Around 7 a.m. on Friday, the monks plan to continue northward on Spotsylvania Avenue, cross Mine Road, and continue onto Falcon Drive, where Fredericksburg police will begin escorting the group. No stops have been planned in the City of Fredericksburg.

The group will turn right on Lafayette Boulevard, left on Sophia Street, and then right on the Chatham Bridge into Stafford County.

Fredericksburg police shared the following guidance for the public who wish

What You Need To Know

Expect traffic delays along U.S. Route 1 before, during and after the walk. Motorists should consider alternate routes as northbound lanes will be shut down and southbound lanes are expected to be heavily congested from early afternoon through the late evening hours Feb. 5.

Expect traffic delays on Lafayette Boulevard, Sophia Street and on William Street over Chatham Bridge on Friday, Feb. 6, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., when all travel lanes on these three stretches of road will be restricted as the procession moves through the route. Motorists will be required to travel on alternate routes during this time.

Drivers should use caution, slow down and be patient while traveling in the area.
Residents wishing to observe or attend are asked to follow all posted restrictions and instructions from law enforcement.

Respect surrounding properties and the peaceful nature of the event.
Be mindful of the monks’ space. Do not approach or attempt to walk behind or follow them.

Supporters should quietly line streets along the route where it is legal and safe.

For Everyone's Safety, Please Remember:

• Stay out of roadways and avoid obstructing traffic.
• Do not walk in front of moving vehicles.
• Do not stop or park in travel lanes.
• Do not block driveways to homes or businesses.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and smooth passage for all. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Follow the Spotsylvania County government Facebook page @SpotsyGov for updates before and during the monks’ journey through the county and Fredericksburg City government page @FXBGgov as they proceed through the city.

The Walk for Peace is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage that began in Fort Worth, Texas, in October 2025 and concludes in Washington, D.C., in February 2026. It is intended to promote peace, loving kindness and compassion as the Buddhist monks make their way through communities across the southeastern United States.