| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-37 March 17, 2007 |
Most Flooded Roads in Central Virginia Now Reopened
CULPEPER – As sunshine replaced rain across Central Virginia on Saturday afternoon the flood conditions that closed several dozen secondary roads have receded and most roads have been reopened to traffic.
Despite the improving conditions the Virginia Department of Transportation is continuing its warning to motorists to use caution while traveling this weekend, particularly on secondary roads that are covered with water. With temperatures predicted to fall below freezing overnight through the weekend motorists should be alert for icy spots where water has frozen on the road surface.
Many of the roads near the Blue Ridge Mountains that were closed by high water on Friday have been reopened but other roads in several counties across Central Virginia have been closed as the water rises downstream. VDOT crews will continue to monitor road conditions through the weekend and respond to any reports of flooding or damage from the storm.
Motorists traveling through the weekend, particularly at night, should be alert for freezing conditions on bridges, overpasses, ramps and intersections as well as on roads at higher elevations. They may also encounter dense fog on the Blue Ridge Mountain passes.
At 4 p.m., the following roads are closed due to high water:
Albemarle County
Route 712
Route 713
Fauquier County
Route 655 from the town of Remington to Route 656
Louisa County
Route 651 at the Orange County line
Orange County
Route 651 from Route 612 to Route 669 at the Louisa County line
Motorists are reminded to observe the following precautions while driving during storms and when flooding has been reported:
• Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six inches of water to float a small vehicle. There may also be damage to the road surface below the water’s surface.
• Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
• 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 downed power line, do not try to move the line.
Motorists can receive real-time information about road closings and weather conditions by dialing 511 on any telephone within Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.
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Despite the improving conditions the Virginia Department of Transportation is continuing its warning to motorists to use caution while traveling this weekend, particularly on secondary roads that are covered with water. With temperatures predicted to fall below freezing overnight through the weekend motorists should be alert for icy spots where water has frozen on the road surface.
Many of the roads near the Blue Ridge Mountains that were closed by high water on Friday have been reopened but other roads in several counties across Central Virginia have been closed as the water rises downstream. VDOT crews will continue to monitor road conditions through the weekend and respond to any reports of flooding or damage from the storm.
Motorists traveling through the weekend, particularly at night, should be alert for freezing conditions on bridges, overpasses, ramps and intersections as well as on roads at higher elevations. They may also encounter dense fog on the Blue Ridge Mountain passes.
At 4 p.m., the following roads are closed due to high water:
Albemarle County
Route 712
Route 713
Fauquier County
Route 655 from the town of Remington to Route 656
Louisa County
Route 651 at the Orange County line
Orange County
Route 651 from Route 612 to Route 669 at the Louisa County line
Motorists are reminded to observe the following precautions while driving during storms and when flooding has been reported:
• Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six inches of water to float a small vehicle. There may also be damage to the road surface below the water’s surface.
• Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
• 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 downed power line, do not try to move the line.
Motorists can receive real-time information about road closings and weather conditions by dialing 511 on any telephone within Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.
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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
