VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Route 3 traffic entering I-95 northbound in Fredericksburg has begun traveling in the northbound local lanes, which are now fully open between exit 130 (Route 3) and exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) in Stafford. 

Drivers entering northbound I-95 from Route 3 now travel across the original Rappahannock River bridge in the local lanes. 

North of the river, travelers in the local lanes can use the off-ramp at exit 133 to access Route 17 northbound or Route 17 Business or continue driving north to merge with the through travel lanes.

The new pattern is part of the $132 million I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project, which seeks to reduce congestion by separating local traffic from regional traffic along the corridor. Almost half of the drivers entering I-95 from the Route 17 and Route 3 interchanges exit on the opposite side of the Rappahannock River, traveling just one exit.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, a new decision point opened for northbound through travelers approaching exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg from points south. The decision point is located just north of the Fall Hill Avenue overpass in Fredericksburg. Through travelers with destinations north of exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) stay left and proceed across the Rappahannock River. Through travelers seeking Route 17 northbound or Route 17 Business at exit 133 should follow overhead signs and message boards directing them to stay right and exit before the Rappahannock River to the local lanes. 

Watch simulation videos demonstrating the new traffic pattern and decision points at Improve95.org. 

Route 3 Travelers: Temporary Access Change to Northbound 95 Express Lanes

Now that the local lanes are fully open, access to enter the northbound 95 Express Lanes will change temporarily for motorists who enter I-95 northbound from Route 3 in Fredericksburg.

By mid-December, a new flyover ramp is anticipated to open north of exit 133 connecting the local lanes with northbound 95 Express Lanes.

Until this flyover ramp opens, for drivers entering I-95 from Route 3 or Route 17 using the new local lanes, the first entrance to access the northbound 95 Express Lanes is north of the exit 140 (Courthouse Road) interchange in Stafford.

Through travelers can continue to use a left slip ramp to enter northbound 95 Express Lanes just north of the Rappahannock River, near exit 133.

No changes have occurred for southbound 95 Express Lanes travelers. Motorists can continue to exit from 95 Express Lanes using the southernmost exit after exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) in Stafford.

By mid-December, all additional new access points to and from 95 Express Lanes will open that were built as part of the recent 10-mile extension of the lanes in the Fredericksburg area. New access includes a reversible ramp from Old Courthouse Road near exit 140 (Courthouse Road) and ramps near exit 148 (Quantico).

Construction Continues through Spring 2024

Construction on the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project will continue through May 2024, with a focus on the Route 17 area in Stafford. Crews will finish building turn lanes, installing sidewalk and drainage systems. 

To provide the highest quality of pavement achievable, crews are waiting for warmer temperatures next year to finish paving the Route 17 corridor. 

When construction is finished, the final traffic pattern in this area will include:

• Third right turn lane from I-95 southbound off-ramp to Route 17 northbound
• Dual left turn lanes from northbound Route 17 to Sanford Drive
• Right turn only lane from northbound Route 17 to South Gateway Drive
• Restored third Route 17 northbound through travel lane

Click here to see the ultimate traffic configuration on Route 17.

Additional information and driver simulation videos for the new traffic patterns can be found at Improve95.org/locals.

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 www.511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

(END) 

VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middle

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.