The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has issued a high wind advisory for the Robert O. Norris, Jr., Bridge on Route 3, spanning the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. The advisory is aimed at ensuring the safety of high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs, which are advised not to cross the bridge under these conditions.
According to VDOT’s High Winds Protocol for Major Bridges in the Fredericksburg District, they closely monitor wind speeds at significant river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. These include Downing Bridge on Route 360 over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and Tappahannock, Eltham Bridge on Route 30/Route 33 over the Pamunkey River connecting West Point and New Kent County, Gwynn’s Island Bridge on Route 223 from mainland Mathews County to Gwynn’s Island, and Lord Delaware Bridge on Route 33 over the Mattaponi River linking West Point and King and Queen County.
VDOT states that “if sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes or there are frequent wind gusts of 45 mph or greater,” a high wind advisory notice will be posted on these bridges. Additionally, when “sustained winds reach 45 mph or above over a period of 15 minutes,” VDOT crews will issue a bridge closure notice; however, bridges will not be physically barricaded.
The initial advisory was lifted from the Norris Bridge earlier today at 10:33 a.m., but caution remains paramount for those traveling across these structures during periods of adverse weather conditions.
