VDOT will closely monitor wind speeds on major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions on Friday, Sept. 30, through the weekend, and into early next week, with high winds forecast to accompany the remnants of Tropical Storm Ian.
High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross bridges when a High Wind Advisory is posted. Trucks carrying small or empty loads may be especially at risk.
Changeable message boards are staged at bridges in Fredericksburg District where wind speeds are monitored, which includes:
- Robert O. Norris Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster County and Middlesex County
- Downing Bridge, which carries Route 360 over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and the Town of Tappahannock
- Eltham Bridge, which carries Route 30/Route 33 traffic over the Pamunkey River and connects the Town of West Point and New Kent County
- Lord Delaware Bridge, which carries Route 33 over the Mattaponi River and connects the Town of West Point and King and Queen County
- Route 223 bridge over Milford Haven, which connects mainland Mathews County with Gwynn’s Island
For these bridges, a High Wind Advisory will be posted when sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes, or there are frequent wind gusts of 45 mph or greater.
When sustained winds reach 45 mph or above over a period of 15 minutes, VDOT crews will post a bridge closure notice. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded.
VDOT’s wind monitoring equipment at the bridges alert staff when wind speeds require postings.
High Wind Advisory notices will be posted on message boards staged at the bridges, and communicated through VDOT news releases, VDOT social media platforms, and on 511Virginia.
Ferry Service in the Northern Neck
Two ferry services in the Northern Neck operated by VDOT, the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County and the Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland County, will operate on their normal schedules on Friday, Sept. 30, until inclement weather conditions such as high winds and tidal flooding require suspension.
Passengers can get updates on ferry service on 511Virginia, on the Merry Point Ferry and Sunnybank Ferry websites on VirginiaDOT.org, and on ferry status signs located along roads leading to the docks. The ferry is operating if the alert signs are flashing during operational hours.
Additional VDOT Storm Preparations
Tropical Storm Ian is also forecast to bring heavy rain to the Fredericksburg District beginning Friday, which could cause flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas. VDOT’s preparation for the storm included inspecting and cleaning drainage structures and clearing obstructions when necessary.
VDOT crews will respond to hazardous travel conditions that develop on state-maintained roads 24 hours a day as needed. Crews will remove downed trees and debris, post high water or road closed signs, and address any downed or inoperable traffic signals caused by high winds.
Emergency tree removal contractors have been notified across the Fredericksburg District that their assistance may be required throughout this storm event.
Report a Road Hazard
Report a downed tree, debris, flooding, or another road hazard to VDOT’s Customer Service Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.
511Virginia
511Virginia will report state-maintained roads partially or completed blocked due to flooding, debris, downed utility lines or other safety hazards.
Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or visit www.511Virginia.org.
Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 when they are not operating a motor vehicle or while using a hands-free device.
Do not use a handheld cell phone or mobile device while driving (it’s the law).
