Route 639, known as Walnut Shade Road, has reopened at Baylors Creek in Essex County following the completion of a culvert replacement project. The road was closed in December after a culvert failure that also damaged the road’s surface.
Initially scheduled to begin in January 2025, the replacement project was expedited due to the pipe failure. With the completion of this project, the previously enforced 9-mile detour has been lifted.
Despite the completion of the culvert installation, drivers should anticipate a rough ride on loose gravel. Crews are expected to return in spring for paving work.
