Drivers traveling through Richmond should prepare for delays on Interstate 95 northbound as crews begin a pipe replacement project this week.
From Friday, August 1, at 8 p.m., to Monday, August 4, at 5 a.m., two lanes will be closed near mile marker 71.3, close to the Bells Road interchange. The work is being done as part of an infrastructure upgrade led by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Officials say this project is necessary to replace a damaged drainage pipe under the roadway. The existing pipe has aged and no longer meets current safety and performance standards. Replacing it will help prevent future road damage and flooding during heavy rain.
Pipe systems below highways carry rainwater away from the road surface. When these pipes break or clog, water can collect on the road, leading to potholes, cracks, or even sudden sinkholes. According to road engineers, timely replacement reduces long-term damage and makes driving safer.
VDOT engineers have inspected the area and confirmed that repairs can no longer be delayed. Crews will remove the old pipe and install a new, high-durability version made of corrosion-resistant material.
To help reduce traffic congestion, VDOT recommends drivers use Interstate 295 or Route 288 as detours during the closure period. These alternate routes will help keep traffic moving and avoid long delays near the construction zone.
Travelers should also plan by checking traffic apps or listening to local radio updates for real-time traffic conditions. Commuters, long-haul drivers, and travelers heading toward northern destinations should leave extra time for their journeys.
During the closure, at least two lanes on the I-95 northbound will be shut down. Crews will work around the clock during this 57-hour window. Signs will be posted in advance, and safety cones will mark the work zone clearly.
Work will continue regardless of light rain; however, severe weather may alter the schedule. If major storms occur, VDOT may postpone the project and announce new dates through public notices.
Nighttime driving through the area may be especially slow due to reduced visibility and fewer open lanes. Drivers are advised to slow down, maintain a safe distance, and remain alert in the vicinity of the work site.
With crews working close to traffic, drivers must follow all posted speed limits and warnings. Speeding or driving distracted in a work zone increases the risk of accidents. The fine for speeding in a Virginia work zone can be as high as $500.
Law enforcement officers may patrol the area to ensure safety and traffic flow. Motorists are urged to drive with caution and patience.
VDOT expects the project to be completed before the Monday morning rush hour on August 4. If the work is completed early, lanes may reopen sooner. The goal is to complete the job quickly while keeping workers and drivers safe.
Once the pipe replacement is done, traffic conditions should return to normal, and the road will be better protected against future water damage.
For ongoing updates about the project and road conditions, drivers can visit VDOT’s official website or follow their social media accounts.
This temporary inconvenience will help ensure long-term road safety for thousands of drivers who use I-95 daily.
