VDOT Update: Flooding closes numerous secondary roads

May 16, 2014

FLOODING CLOSES NUMEROUS CENTRAL VA. ROADS

Small streams have risen over the roadways; motorists should use extreme caution

RELEASE:  IMMEDIATE   May 16, 2014    10:30 a.m. UPDATE
CONTACT:   Lou Hatter, 540-829-7537 (office)    540-717-2890 (cell)
Lou.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov

CULPEPER — Dozens of secondary roads in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Culpeper District are closed this morning due to high water. All nine counties are affected, from Fauquier south through Albemarle and a total of 78 are reported closed at this hour. The numbers and areas affected will change through the day as streams near the mountains begin to recede and the floodwaters surge into streams and rivers to the east. Motorists should check VDOT’s traffic information web site, www.511Virginia.org, for the latest information on road closures and weather conditions.

All interstate and primary highways are open in the Culpeper District. Motorists driving west on Interstate 66 should be aware that the westbound lanes are closed due to a tractor-trailer crash at milepost 11 in Warren County. A detour has been established but there are significant delays and drivers should use alternate routes.

Motorists should use extreme caution while driving on secondary roads near streams and rivers today. The water is still rising in some locations, and even when the water begins to recede there may be unseen damage to the pavement underneath the water.
 
VDOT crews are monitoring the secondary roads across the region and closing them as necessary. Once the water level drops crews will inspect the roads for damage and reopen them when it is safe to do so. VDOT urges that motorists remember:

  • Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle.
  • Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
  • Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause loss of control due to hydroplaning.
  • Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas.
  • If a flash flood warning is broadcast, seek high ground immediately.
  • Watch for debris on the roadway. If you encounter a fallen power line, do not try to move the line.

Drivers can check VDOT’s traffic information web site, www.511Virginia.org, for information on the road closures as well as real-time road and weather conditions, live traffic camera images for many major highways, including Interstate 64, I-66 and Routes 29 and 250 in Central Virginia.

Motorists can call 511 from any telephone in Virginia for road and traffic conditions on all major highways in the state.

Call 800-367-7623 24 hours a day to report highway-related problems or request information about Virginia’s highways.