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How Does Spring Construction Season Disrupt Interstate Moving Routes?

By Mark Doyle
02/02/2026

The same warm weather that signals moving season also brings highway construction, making it important for families planning interstate moves to choose movers who plan ahead for possible delays.

Summary: Spring construction season creates delays and detours across U.S. interstates. Professional movers monitor highway projects and build buffer time into schedules to keep long distance and cross-country moves on track.

Why Do Highways Get Worse in Spring Before They Get Better?

Spring road conditions consistently worsen before they improve. Winter moisture seeps into pavement cracks, freezes, and expands, leaving roads weakened and full of potholes once temperatures rise. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, about 39% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition.

State transportation departments must manage both emergency repairs and planned resurfacing at the same time. Highways used by moving trucks are often at their roughest when demand peaks.

Source reference: ASCE 2025 Report Card coverage

How Does the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Affect Interstate Corridors?

Major corridors face recurring spring construction every year:

  • I-95: Heavy maintenance from Virginia through New England as states repair winter damage before summer traffic begins.
  • I-80: Ongoing resurfacing and bridge work from Pennsylvania through Nebraska.
  • I-10: Lane expansions and bridge repairs in southern metro areas.

Urban bottlenecks intensify delays in areas such as Chicago, Atlanta, and Denver, where overlapping projects can add hours to long routes.

How Do Construction Delays Impact Moving Schedules?

Construction zones affect travel speed and add unpredictability to every route.

  • An eight-hour drive can stretch to twelve when multiple zones compound delays.
  • Lane closures push trucks into slower traffic.
  • Emergency repairs may close routes with little notice.
  • Weekend projects, now common to ease weekday congestion, can still surprise dispatchers if Department of Transportation (DOT) schedules change.

How Do Professional Movers Plan Routes During Construction Season?

Experienced long distance movers adjust plans long before spring begins. They:

  • Monitor state DOT and FHWA construction alerts
  • Build buffer time into delivery estimates
  • Coordinate alternate routes with dispatchers
  • Avoid peak construction hours when possible
  • Communicate schedule changes clearly with customers

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), strong coordination between movers and customers reduces stress and improves on-time delivery. Learn more at FMCSA Protect Your Move.

National Van Lines also manages international relocations, where planning extends beyond highways to account for global weather systems, logistics networks, customs scheduling, and port coordination. The same disciplined approach applies: plan early, communicate often, and stay flexible as conditions change.

Which States Face the Most Spring Route Delays?

Corridor or Factor Construction Challenge Impact on Moving Schedules
Northern Routes (I-80, I-90) Freeze-thaw repairs Unpredictable delays, limited detours
Eastern Corridor (I-95) Multi-state lane closures Longer drive times, higher congestion
Southern Routes (I-10, I-20) Bridge and expansion projects Night and weekend work zones
Midwest Urban Corridors Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit projects Traffic slowdowns at peak hours
Mountain West Routes (I-70, I-25) Weather-driven closures Frequent rerouting required

How Can You Predict Moving Costs?

Moving costs are influenced less by base rates than by timing accuracy. Booking movers early, confirming realistic delivery windows, and maintaining flexibility around closing dates helps prevent costly last-minute changes during spring.

Working with interstate movers who track infrastructure conditions helps families plan confidently and minimize disruption. With nearly a century of experience, National Van Lines continues to help families move smoothly throughout spring months. This same commitment to transparency and reliability earned us recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 2026 Long Distance Moving Companies.

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