Northern Virginians are not the only ones being advised to prepare for traffic congestion and possible delays resulting from traffic heading to and from the upcoming Presidential Inauguration events. With thousands heading to Washington, D.C., Virginia State Police will be bringing in additional troopers from around the state to supplement patrols throughout Northern and Central Virginia beginning Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009.
“Inaugural traffic is not going to be limited to only Northern Virginia,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “State agencies are anticipating and preparing for traffic delays and congestion to extend as far south as Fredericksburg and possibly Richmond, and as far west as Winchester. Even those not planning on attending the inauguration need to be prepared for increased traffic volumes, especially along the Interstate 95 and Interstate 66 corridors.”
With inaugural events in Washington, D.C., beginning the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 18, northbound traffic levels in and around Northern Virginia are expected to begin increasing throughout the weekend and into Monday. Southbound traffic on I-95 and westbound traffic on I-66 will be significant Wednesday morning as those staying overnight in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas will be heading home.
Individuals not attending inaugural events but needing to travel around Washington, D.C. to points north or south during this period are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the heavy traffic in Virginia on I-95, I-66 and I-495.
- Hampton Roads/Peninsula – Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula residents may want to consider bypassing the District by taking U.S. Route 13, a four-lane highway along the Eastern Shore.
- Metro-Richmond- Those from Richmond and Central Virginia may want to opt for U.S. Route 301, a four-lane highway that takes motorists to Baltimore, Md. Another alternative route would be Interstate 64 west at Richmond to Interstate 81 north at Staunton.
- Western Virginia – Those on Interstate 81 may want to travel Interstate 70 in Maryland as an alternate to Interstate 66.
Virginia residents could also encounter heavier traffic on U.S. Routes 1, 29, 17, 7, and 50 as inaugural attendees seek alternatives to traveling by interstate to reach Washington, D.C. In addition, many attendees have made lodging reservations along these routes.
“Being prepared is critical to avoiding traffic delays and congestion around Virginia during the inaugural period,” said Colonel Flaherty. “Map out your destination in advance to identify local and/or alternative routes and means of transportation. Give yourself additional travel time. And, check weather conditions in advance.”
Virginia maps and up-to-date traffic reports are available online through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at www.vdot.virginia.gov. For links to weather conditions, alternate means of transportation, and other inaugural information and advisories, click on the inaugural icon on the Virginia State Police Website at www.vsp.virginia.gov.
