Stephen C. Brich, P.E. Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
Stephen C. Brich, P.E. Commissioner | Virginia Department of Transportation
A high wind advisory has been issued for the Robert O. Norris, Jr., Bridge on Route 3 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, and large vans and SUVs, should avoid crossing the bridge. Trucks carrying small or empty loads are particularly at risk.
VDOT is responsible for monitoring wind speeds at major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas. These include the 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 to Gwynn's Island from Mathews County, Lord Delaware Bridge on Route 33 over the Mattaponi River, and Norris Bridge itself.
According to VDOT's protocol, if sustained winds reach 30 mph for a duration of 30 minutes or frequent gusts of 45 mph or more occur, a high wind advisory will be posted on these bridges. Under these conditions, high-profile vehicles are advised not to cross. Should sustained winds increase to 45 mph or above for a period of 15 minutes, VDOT crews will issue a bridge closure notice; however, physical barricades will not be erected.
Notices regarding high wind advisories or bridge closures will be displayed on message boards located at each bridge. Additionally, updates will be disseminated through VDOT news releases and social media platforms including @VaDOTFRED on X and the VDOT Fredericksburg District Facebook group page.
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