FREDERICKSBURG—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will monitor sustained wind speeds on two major bridges connecting the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck during Hurricane Florence, and will post high wind advisory or bridge closure notices as required for motorist safety.
Sustained winds will be monitored on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties, and on the Downing Bridge, which carries Route 360 traffic over the Rappahannock between Richmond County and Tappahannock, reported Darragh Copley Frye of VDOT’s Fredericksburg District.
Travelers can find real-time information on high wind advisory notices or closures for either bridge on 511Virginia. Message boards have already been staged at multiple locations on major routes leading to both bridges to communicate any advisory or closure status.
High wind
When sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 15 minutes at the Norris Bridge or Downing Bridge, VDOT will post a high wind advisory notice. High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross these bridges when a high wind advisory is posted.
Bridge closure
When sustained winds reach 40 mph at the Norris Bridge and Downing Bridge, or there are frequent wind gusts of 45 mph or greater, VDOT crews will post a bridge closure notice. Notices will be communicated through VDOT news releases, VDOT social media platforms, posted on message boards staged at the bridges, and on 511Virginia. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded. VDOT personnel will seek shelter once sustained winds reach 40 mph.
511Virginia
Motorists can find real-time information on high wind advisory or bridge closure status, road or lane closures, work zones, traffic and other incidents on 511Virginia.
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 from any phone in Virginia.
