The high wind advisory on the Norris Bridge, which carries Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties, has been lifted. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) had issued the advisory for high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs, advising them not to cross the bridge due to safety concerns.
VDOT monitors wind speeds at several major 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 over Milford Haven connecting Mathews County with Gwynn’s Island; and Lord Delaware Bridge on Route 33 over the Mattaponi River connecting West Point and King and Queen County.
A high wind advisory is posted when sustained winds reach 30 mph for 30 minutes or frequent gusts of 45 mph or greater occur. In such cases, VDOT advises that high-profile vehicles should avoid crossing these bridges. If sustained winds reach 45 mph or above for a period of 15 minutes, a bridge closure notice is issued by VDOT crews. However, bridges are not physically barricaded during closures.
Notices about high wind advisories and bridge closures are displayed on message boards at these locations. Travelers are encouraged to check real-time road conditions through “511Virginia” before starting their trips. The service provides updates on roads closed or partially closed due to flooding or other hazards via a mobile app available for Apple and Android devices or by visiting their website.
For further inquiries or to report hazardous road conditions, VDOT’s Customer Service Center can be contacted through their website or by calling their hotline.
VDOT’s Fredericksburg District encompasses Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford counties in Fredericksburg; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster, Westmoreland counties in Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in Middle Peninsula.
