The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 16 that a section of Cassatt Parkway (Route 642) in Cape Charles will be closed temporarily starting as early as March 18. The closure, which affects the stretch between Stone Road and Old Cape Charles Road (Route 641), is part of ongoing work on the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Projects in Northampton County.
The temporary closure will allow crews to remove existing concrete and railroad tracks from the former Bay Coast Railroad corridor and lay asphalt for a new 2.17-mile shared-use path extending from Cape Charles to Cheriton. The closure is expected to last until approximately early April, with signed detours provided for motorists traveling through the area.
During this period, drivers heading west on Stone Road who wish to access Cassatt Parkway can follow a detour by turning left onto Parsons Circle and right onto Old Cape Charles Road. Eastbound motorists from Cape Charles on Cassatt Parkway should turn right onto Old Cape Charles Road at the closure point and follow the detour in reverse.
Motorists are reminded to use caution near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, pay attention to digital message signs, and drive without distractions.
According to the official website, the Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges, and tunnels to support a safe and efficient transportation system. The agency manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems, covering tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia according to its official website. VDOT also provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, and oversight of land-use permits along state routes according to its official website.
The department serves as a state agency overseeing planning, construction, and maintenance of roadways throughout Virginia according to its official website. VDOT developed from the State Highway Commission established in 1906 through various changes over time according to its official website. Its headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official website.
