A high wind advisory was recently lifted for the Downing Bridge, which facilitates Route 360 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and Tappahannock. This advisory had previously cautioned against the crossing of high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs due to increased risk from high winds.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) specifies that a high wind advisory is issued when sustained winds reach 30 mph over 30 minutes or frequent gusts exceed 45 mph. Under these conditions, VDOT advises against the crossing of high-profile vehicles. If winds sustain at 45 mph or above for 15 minutes, a bridge closure notice is issued, although physical barricades are not erected.
Advisories and closure notices are communicated through message boards located at bridges. Travelers are encouraged to consult 511Virginia for real-time updates on road conditions affected by weather hazards. The service can be accessed via a mobile app available for Apple and Android devices or by calling 511 within Virginia.
