VDOT crews are working through heavy rains on Sunday to repair roads and bridges damaged by the torrential rains over the past several days. Crews report that creeks and streams are rising again due to the persistent rain and roads that had been repaired and reopened are closed again due to high water.
Water is also ponding on many roads, including major highways, because of the heavy rains. VDOT recommends that drivers reduce speed and be alert for areas with standing water, which can cause hydroplaning and loss of control of the vehicle.
Forty-seven roads in Culpeper District were closed as of mid-afternoon Sunday with the most, 13, in Greene County. Madison and Rappahannock reported nine roads in each county closed, including several in Greene and Madison that had reopened and are under water again. Fauquier County reported eight, Culpeper five, two in Albemarle that remain closed and one closed today in Louisa County.
VDOT cautions drivers that many of the repairs are temporary, such as gravel sections on paved roads and on bridge approaches that washed out. Motorists should be careful and reduce speed while driving on roads affected by the surging rivers, especially in the areas where temporary repairs were made and where tree limbs, rocks, broken pavement and other debris deposited by the floodwaters are on the road shoulders. VDOT urges motorists to use extra care at night when roadway hazards are more difficult to see.
VDOT crews are making repairs as quickly as possible, with priority given to roads and bridges that provide the only access to residents on the far side of the damaged structure. Route 810 (Dyke Road) in Greene County, a major secondary route carrying traffic from Route 33 and western Greene to Earlysville and Charlottesville, is heavily damaged in several locations and some sections of the road are still closed.
VDOT reminds motorists never to drive through water flowing across a roadway or around closure barricades. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. As recovery and reconstruction efforts continue VDOT also asks that people not drive into affected areas unless they have a need to be there. Unnecessary vehicles are a distraction for the crews working and drivers may put themselves and their passengers in danger.
Drivers should check www.511virginia.org or the 511 mobile app for updated information about the road closures and follow @VaDOTCULP on Twitter for updates.
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Chris Graham
