A high wind advisory has been issued for the Norris Bridge, which facilitates Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises that high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs should avoid crossing the bridge. Trucks with small or empty loads are particularly vulnerable.
VDOT is actively monitoring wind speeds at several major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. These include Downing Bridge on Route 360 over the Rappahannock River, Eltham Bridge on Route 30/Route 33 over the Pamunkey River, Gwynn’s Island bridge on Route 223 over Milford Haven, and Lord Delaware Bridge on Route 33 over the Mattaponi River.
The criteria for posting a high wind advisory involve sustained winds reaching 30 mph for at least 30 minutes or frequent gusts of 45 mph or more. If these conditions are met, VDOT will issue an advisory to deter high-profile vehicles from crossing affected bridges.
In cases where sustained winds reach or exceed 45 mph for a duration of 15 minutes, VDOT will announce a bridge closure notice. However, physical barricades will not be used to block access to bridges.
Advisories and closure notices will be displayed on message boards located at each bridge site. Travelers are encouraged to check real-time road conditions through “511Virginia” before commencing their trips. This service is accessible via a free mobile app available for Apple and Android devices or by visiting their website at “511.vdot.virginia.gov.” Motorists can also contact “511Virginia” by dialing 511 within Virginia.
For further inquiries or to report hazardous road conditions, individuals can reach out to VDOT’s Customer Service Center either online at “my.vdot.virginia.gov” or by calling “800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).”
VDOT’s Fredericksburg District encompasses Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford counties in Fredericksburg; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in Middle Peninsula.
