VDOT crews in the Fredericksburg District remain mobilized in emergency operations Wednesday to address flooding and debris along state-maintained roads following Tuesday’s heavy rain and high winds.
VDOT spokesperson Kelly Hannon says there are no storm impacts along Interstate 95 in the Fredericksburg area, and all primary roads are open districtwide. Around 100 secondary roads across the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are either posted with a high water advisory, which means they are open and passable with caution, or are closed for flooding, damage, or another hazard, such as downed trees or utility lines.
Hannon says on roads that are completely flooded, the water must first recede before VDOT can fully assess the pavement, bridges or structures for potential damage, and determine if the road is safe to reopen. Crews are actively monitoring these areas and will make assessments as quickly as possible to determine if roads can be reopened.
Travelers should check 511Virginia and the Road Conditions Table for a real-time list of road closures and lane closures, searchable by locality, which will be updated as flooding recedes and roads and travel lanes reopen.
Traveler Safety After the Storm
• Obey all “road closed” signage
• Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Six inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
• 12 inches of flood water can move most cars
• 18-24 inches of flood water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks
• Be alert to debris, downed trees, and power lines
• Move over for emergency crews operating in or near roadways
Northern Neck Ferry Service
Service on the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County and Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland remains suspended today, but service is anticipated to resume at midday on Thursday, Jan. 11. Travelers are encouraged to check the ferry operational status signs located on major routes leading to the ferry dock for real-time updates.
511Virginia
Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected or visit 511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 51Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Customer Service Center
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
