RICHMOND 7 p.m.—As floodwaters recede throughout Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has reopened more than half of the total number of roads closed due to high water today. As of 5 p.m. approximately 107 roads remain closed due to high water or damage caused by floodwaters. At 6 a.m. Wednesday, more than 225 roads were closed statewide due to flooding. VDOT crews continue doing emergency roadway repair work, cleaning clogged drains and removing downed trees and limbs to keep roadways safe for motorists.

Drivers can log onto Virginiadot.org for the latest list of flooded roads throughout the commonwealth and call 511 for traffic information on major thoroughfares while they are on the road. VDOT has posted a link the latest road closures list in the yellow banner on the VDOT home page.

Though floodwaters are receding in many areas, motorists are reminded to continue using extreme caution while traveling on roads that may be in low-lying areas or on roads that are prone to flooding.
• Remember never to drive through standing water, as you might lose control of your vehicle.
• Rapidly rising water could engulf your vehicle and sweep it away. According to the National Weather Service, two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile-based.
• There is no way to tell if flooded roads have been washed out by swift-moving waters.
• If you come across a flooded road that has not been barricaded, turn around and use an alternate route.

For more information about road conditions, log onto VirginiaDOT.org or call 511.

Page last modified: June 29, 2006