Fredericksburg Fire Department, VDOT Urge Caution During Isaias

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Virginia Department of Transportation crews in the Fredericksburg district have prepared staff, equipment and materials to respond to flooding, downed trees and other hazardous travel conditions from Tropical Storm Isaias.

Heavy rainfall is expected along the Interstate 95 corridor in the Fredericksburg area, the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Flooding from the heavy rain could partially or fully block roads. High winds may also lead to downed trees, utility lines and other debris.

Tree contractors are on standby to assist VDOT with tree and debris removal.

Motorists are urged to check 511Virginia before starting a trip for a real-time list of roads partially or fully closed due to flooding or other hazards.

In Fredericksburg, wind and rain remain the primary concerns, with current models showing 4 to 6 inches of rain locally and wind gusts to 35 mph, according to the city Fire Department. The fast-moving storm will produce the potential for minor flooding in the Rappahannock River, the fire department said Monday.

Residents should secure objects that could blow in strong winds, and check gutters and storm drains to be sure they are clear.

VDOT said it will monitor sustained winds on major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, including:

• Robert O. Norris Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties.
• Downing Bridge, which carries Route 360 over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and the Town of Tappahannock.
• Route 223 bridge over Milford Haven, which connects mainland Mathews County with Gwynn's Island.
• Eltham Bridge, which carries Route 30/Route 33 traffic over the Pamunkey River and connects the Town of West Point and New Kent County.
• Lord Delaware Bridge, which carries Route 33 over the Mattaponi River and connects the Town of West Point and King and Queen County.

If sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes, VDOT will post a high wind advisory notice on these bridges. High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross these bridges when a high wind advisory is posted.

When sustained winds reach 45 mph or above over a period of 15 minutes, VDOT crews will post a bridge closure notice. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded, the department said.