Watch for Lane Closures and Temporary Traffic Patterns Near I-95 Exit 126 (Spotsylvania)

UPDATE (5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026) The on-ramp to Interstate 95 southbound from Route 1 at exit 126 (Spotsylvania) will remain open this evening. A ramp closure planned for this evening into Tuesday morning has been rescheduled to occur from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, until 4 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Additionally, a traffic shift scheduled for tonight on Route 1 southbound between Market Street and the I-95 southbound ramps has been rescheduled. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, southbound Route 1 travelers can expect alternating lane closures starting at 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, as crews shift traffic slightly to the right. Intermittent traffic stops for up to 15-minute intervals are possible during these hours. Law enforcement will direct traffic at the I-95 ramps as needed.

FREDERICKSBURG – Construction is entering the final year on a $42 million Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project underway to improve the Interstate 95 interchange at exit 126 (Spotsylvania).

Crews have been working since June 2025 to make several improvements intended to reduce congestion on Route 1 and I-95 near the interchange.

The project is widening the existing on-ramps to I-95 northbound and southbound from Route 1 and widening Route 1 to six travel lanes between the ramps. Widening Route 1 aims to keep northbound and southbound traffic flowing near the interchange. Dual left turn lanes on Route 1 at the I-95 ramps will also hold more vehicles, moving more people onto I-95 northbound and southbound on every traffic signal cycle.

While construction will continue over the next year, travelers should watch for overnight lane closures and temporary traffic patterns on Route 1 next week.

Overnight lane closures are also scheduled for I-95 next week, and some will continue into September.

"We appreciate the community's ongoing cooperation and patience with the temporary disruption as we transform the roads in this area," said VDOT Area Construction Engineer Benjamin Ernst, P.E. "Continue to give the road your undivided attention in the exit 126 area work zone. Follow the posted speed limit and pay attention to work zone signs, barrels, and pavement markings. These features are there to safely guide you through any temporary patterns. Stay alert for the men and women working to build the project and make future travel smoother at this interchange."

Route 1 carries around 56,000 vehicles a day near exit 126 in Spotsylvania. An average of 130,000 vehicles a day travel along I-95 near the interchange.

Upcoming project activities starting next week will include:

• Installing concrete panels by crane for two new noise barriers along I-95 southbound.
• Shifting Route 1 southbound traffic slightly to the right, onto temporary pavement. Shifting the southbound lanes to the right will create space for construction crews to widen Route 1 from the median area.
• Opening dual left turn lanes on Route 1 southbound at the I-95 southbound on-ramp. Once the dual lanes open, traffic may only turn left onto the I-95 southbound ramp on a green arrow signal. The flashing yellow arrow signal will be removed.

Traffic Shift on Route 1 Southbound: Monday, Aug. 17

On Monday, Aug. 17, southbound Route 1 travelers can expect alternating lane closures starting at 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, as crews shift traffic slightly to the right between Market Street and the I-95 southbound ramps.

Intermittent traffic stops for up to 15-minute intervals are possible during these hours.

Law enforcement will direct traffic at the I-95 ramps as needed during brief interruptions in traffic signal service.

I-95 On-Ramp Closure Overnight Monday, Aug. 17-Tuesday, Aug. 18

To support the opening of dual left turn lanes on Route 1 southbound, the on-ramp from Route 1 to I-95 southbound will be closed from 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, until 4 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.

If inclement weather cancels work for Monday evening, the ramp closure will be rescheduled for 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, until 4 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.

I-95 Overnight Lane Closures

Lane closures are scheduled on I-95 northbound and southbound next week near exit 126. Crews will install noise barrier panels along I-95 southbound from mid-August until October, requiring overnight southbound lane closures each week.

I-95 southbound, mile markers 128-126

Sunday, Aug. 16-Thursday, Aug. 20 (ending early Friday, Aug. 21)

• Single lane closed at 8 p.m.
• Two lanes closed at 10 p.m.
• Two lanes open at 5 a.m.
• All lanes open at 7 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 22

• Single lane closed 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

I-95 northbound, mile marker 126

Wednesday, Aug. 19-Friday, Aug. 21

• Single lane closed 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 22

• Single lane closed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Project Background

The project is being funded by Spotsylvania County, Virginia's SMART SCALE transportation funding program, and federal transportation and safety funds.

The project contractors are Shirley Contracting Company and Dewberry. 

511 Virginia

Check 511 Virginia for updates on lane closures for this work zone, as well as for information on traffic and incidents. Call 511 from any phone in Virginia, download the free mobile 511 Virginia app for mobile devices, or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

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