Staunton to limit traffic around the Wharf due to concerns raised by structural engineers

Updated, 7:30 p.m.

The western half of the Wharf parking lot in Staunton has reopened now that Public Works has completed a new access point to the lot from Byers Street.

• Byers Street remains closed to through traffic.
• The western half of the Wharf parking lot is open with access from Byers Street via Lewis Street.
• The eastern side of the Wharf parking lot remains closed.
• Byers Street is closed to through traffic.
• The entrance to the Wharf parking lot from Johnson Street will remain closed.
• The eastbound traffic lane shift on Johnson Street will remain in front of the Johnson Street garage.

 

Original story, posted 3:54 p.m.

The City of Staunton will limit traffic around the Wharf area downtown due to concerns with the structural integrity of a tunnel.

One of the sections of concern is under the entrance to the Wharf parking lot from Johnson Street.

Public Works is creating a new entrance from Byers Street which should open later today.

At the recommendation of the engineers and out of an abundance of caution, the city has decided to limit traffic above the identified sections of the tunnel.

The concerns were found by engineers hired by the City of Staunton to perform a tunnel survey and structural evaluation of the conditions where Gum Spring Branch (known as Peyton Creek) and Lewis Creek run underground.

The survey is being done as part of the city’s ongoing flood mitigation and infrastructure preventative maintenance efforts.

These efforts began after the devastating floods in 2020. In 2022, City Staunton Council allocated a portion of American Rescue Plan Act funds to complete this study.

The structural evaluation is not yet complete.

Areas of concern have been cordoned off. The majority of the Wharf area is not impacted and its load-bearing capacity is not a concern, according to the city.

Current closures

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• Byers Street, from Lewis to Johnson Street
• Wharf parking lot
• Eastbound traffic on Johnson Street will undergo a lane shift in front of the Johnson Street garage