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As a tropical storm approaches, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is prepared to keep the region’s state-maintained roadways safe ahead of the storm. Based on current forecasts, VDOT says its staff is preparing for potential impacts stemming from heavy rainfall, high winds, and above-average high tide levels from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Motorists should monitor local weather and avoid travel during inclement weather.

According to a news release, VDOT says crews are ready to respond to any unsafe travel conditions and any damage resulting from the storm. Ahead of the storm, crews have been inspecting drainage facilities and clearing them where necessary, readying trucks and equipment, and coordinating debris and tree removal crews to be on standby.

“With the potential for tidal and flash flooding, motorists and pedestrians must avoid areas with downed power lines or trees, standing water and road closures,” the release said. “Motorists are encouraged to report any unsafe road conditions or hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-FOR-ROAD or online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.”

Additional details regarding Hampton Roads state-maintained roadways during this tropical storm include:

• The I-64 Express Lanes Reversible Roadway between I-264 and I-564 in Norfolk will be closed starting as early as 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, until conditions improve.

• Depending on marine conditions during the storm, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will likely experience reductions in capacity and service suspensions. Motorists can call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY for status updates on ferry service.

• There are no plans to close any of Hampton Roads’ major bridge or tunnel crossings, including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel at this time. Complete bridge information can be found here. Speed limits may be reduced based on current wind conditions at each facility for motorist safety.

• VDOT states it only closes bridges, ramps, or roads when there is imminent danger to public safety, such as high water, structural damage, or downed trees and debris blocking the roadway. If a closure is in place, motorists should not attempt to drive on the closed roadway or structure. During severe weather events, the “Road Conditions Table” on 511Virginia.org is a helpful resource for monitoring the current list of reported road closures on state-maintained roadways.

 

VDOT encourages the public to utilize the following tools during the storm:

• Report any problems such as flooding, downed trees, or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov.

• Before traveling, check statewide and local traffic conditions through VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools by calling 511 (dial or say nine to go straight to Hampton Roads info), visiting www.511virginia.org or downloading the free 511 Virginia mobile app. 511 Virginia provides the most up-to-date, real-time travel conditions and live traffic cameras.