VDOT Bridge, Tunnel and Ferry Closure Plan

The Commonwealth of Virginia has developed safety guidelines for Hampton Roads’ bridges, tunnels and ferries.  Wind speeds, storm surge, rain bands and other conditions at each bridge, tunnel and ferry are monitored constantly.

At the onset of tropical force winds of 39 mph, which are forecasted to intensify, bridge, tunnel and ferry personnel may secure the facility as appropriate and seek areas of safe refuge for their personal safety and to prepare for post-storm operations and recovery response.

Based on weather conditions, many bridges and tunnels may be physically closed; however, if a facility is not barricaded, gated or otherwise closed to vehicular traffic, this does not mean the bridge or tunnel is safe for passage.  Motorists should consider their personal safety before using these facilities during severe inclement weather.  

Closures and Evacuations

If emergency officials order an evacuation, bridges and tunnels should remain passable until the evacuation is terminated.  Weather conditions and wind thresholds will be constantly monitored.  Local weather conditions may cause these facilities to become unsafe.    It is important for residents to be prepared and ready to evacuate immediately if instructed to do so.  Listen to local television and radio broadcasts for the latest evacuation and road closure information.

Road Closures and Traffic conditions are available by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org.

Note: The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) does not manage the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which connects Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is not an evacuation route.  For closure information, visit Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel web site.

Hampton Roads Area Evacuation Routes

You can use several routes to evacuate the Hampton Roads area. Although Interstate 64 is the only route officials have designated for lane reversal in the event of a Governor issued full region evacuation, it is not the only way to evacuate.

You should become familiar with the evacuation route that is closest to your home and plan to leave early to avoid significant traffic delays. 

Virginia has designated the following roads as evacuation routes:

• Route 460 West
  
  
• Route 58 West
  
  
• Route 10 West
  
  
• Route 17 North
  
  
• Route 60 West
  
  
• Route 13 north, north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The CBBT is not an evacuation route.
  
  
• Interstate 64 (How an I-64 lane reversal would work)
  

Where to find information during an evacuation:

Listening to local television and radio stations is the best way to receive critical evacuation information.  For motorists in Williamsburg and points northwest, public radio station WCVE-FM, will provide critical evacuation information, including evacuation routes, traffic conditions and shelter locations.

The WCVE frequency depends on the location of the evacuation route you use:

• 88.9 FM on I-64, between Williamsburg and Fluvanna County
  
  
• 89.1 FM on Route 17, on the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck
  
  
• 90.1 FM on Route 58, between South Hill and South Boston

The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will have a toll-free number that motorists can call for assistance to find lodging in the Richmond area and beyond. The number is 800-370-9004 (or 804-782-2777).

Traffic information will be available by calling 511.

Shelter information will be available by calling 211.

Know your risk. Only those residents at risk for storm surge flooding or who live in mobile homes may need to evacuate.

To assess your risk, review the storm surge map for your area provided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and listen to local news for instructions.

 

  
For information about how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia