Rappahannock River Reopens For Recreational Users

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Rappahannock River reopened for recreational traffic under the Interstate 95 bridges at Fredericksburg, the Virginia Department of Transportation said Friday. A portage that was put in the river in December is no longer required for construction of the I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project.

The river is expected to stay open to recreational traffic until the fall when portage use will be required again on a temporary basis. VDOT said recreational users should remain alert for ongoing construction and follow advisory posted signs.

Construction to build the $132 million, I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing began in August 2018 and will continue through May 2022, according to the department's schedule. VDOT wants to reduce I-95 congestion in the Fredericksburg area by providing local traffic with additional lanes to travel between the Route 17 and Route 3 interchanges without merging

River users can stay updated on Rappahannock River access by checking the construction project's website.