Memorial Day Weekend 2017: 1M Virginians Traveling

(Updated 1:58 p.m. Wednesday) MCLEAN, VA — The Virginia Beach area is a popular destination to catch some sun and waves during Memorial Day weekend, but traffic congestion is an all but sure thing. The Virginia Department of Transportation has released advisory information for Memorial Day weekend travel to help you get your weekend started off right.

AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts that 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 2.7 percent compared to last year’s holiday; that would mark the highest Memorial Day travel volume since 2005. In Virginia, over 1 million are expected to travel, 2.6 percent more than last year.

There is some good news for those traveling to or from Northern Virginia on Monday. HOV restrictions will be lifted on Interstates 66 and 395 Monday, and most work zones and lift lane closures on interstates and major roads in Virginia will be suspended from noon Friday, May 26 to noon Tuesday, May 30. And while this will slightly ease travel, VDOT anticipates extra congestion for the holiday weekend.

Based on data from past years, Friday and Monday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. are expected to be the times with the most heavy congestion.

Drivers should expect higher tolls Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, express lane operator Transurban announced Tuesday. To avoid higher-than-average tolls and peak traffic, drivers should depart before noon on Thursday or after 6 p.m. on Friday. In addition, reversal of express lane directions will follow a different schedule. See the full schedule of changes from Thursday to Tuesday for more information.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road:

• See VDOT's Memorial Day weekend travel trends map to anticipate the best times to travel.
• Visit 511 Virginia for real-time information about traffic, congestion and accidents or download the free mobile VDOT 511 app.
• Call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) 24 hours a day.
• Find HOV schedules and tolls on VDOT's website.
• Follow VDOT on Twitter and Facebook.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassva.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass retail locations.
• Use the Express Lanes mobile app to check real-time toll prices and traffic cameras or follow
• Follow the Express Lanes on Twitter @VAExpressLanes for updates

• Find rest stops along interstate roads.
• If you're heading to Maryland beaches, click here.

Beach, Water Quality Conditions

If you want to check the water quality conditions for Virginia beaches, the Virginia Department of Health website can help. The website lists beaches open to swimming or under advisory.

Gas Prices

On Average Virginia gas prices are $2.14 a gallon this week, although the price is higher in Northern Virginia. The average price is up 4 cents from a year ago, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA has online tools to help drivers save on fuel:

• Fuel Price Finder: locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
• Fuel Cost Calculator: helps budget travel expenses.

Rules of the Road:

• Devote your full attention to driving - it is illegal to text and use hand-held cell phones while driving in Maryland.
• Buckle Up! Every Seat. Every Time.
• State law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If you are unable to move over, slow down.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Avoid changing lanes while traveling over bridges and through tunnels.
• Headlights are required at all times on the Bay Bridge.
• Keep your eyes on the road - do not sight-see.
• Do not tailgate - keep a safe following distance.
• Make sure your vehicle is "road ready."
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, remain inside and call #77 for assistance.

Image via gargola87/Flickr, used under Creative Commons