Southbound lanes of I-95 open after leaning Potomac Mills sign removed (Video)

Video courtesy: VDOT

WASHINGTON — After being closed since Friday, the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 have reopened after crews removed a large, leaning sign along the road.

The Potomac Mills sign was removed Sunday night.

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The situation along the I-95 southbound in Virginia. A sign for Potomac Mills Mall is teetering following wind damage. (WTOP/John Domen) — A sign for Potomac Mills Mall teetered due to wind damage. (WTOP/John Domen)

Powerful winds caused the sign for Potomac Mills to lean dangerously last year. (WTOP/John Domen) — Powerful winds caused the sign for Potomac Mills to lean dangerously. (WTOP/John Domen)

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Even with these measures in place, VDOT is encouraging drivers to steer clear of I-95 in Prince William County on Monday and to consider alternate routes or transit options or even telework to avoid potential traffic snarls during the morning and evening commutes.

High winds battered the D.C. area on Friday, toppling trees and knocking out power to more than 500,000 people at one point.

The Potomac Mills sign was more than 100 feet tall and marked the exit shoppers should take to get to Potomac Mills Mall.

But Friday’s fierce winds left the mall-owned sign leaning, and structural engineers determined it could fall onto the southbound lanes of I-95.

Those lanes were closed at Prince William Parkway on Friday. Southbound traffic was redirected to the Express Lanes for the weekend and tolls were suspended.