Old Dominion News

A high wind advisory was issued for the Robert O. Norris, Jr., Bridge on Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. The advisory has since been lifted as of 7:50 p.m.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises that high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs should avoid crossing the bridge during such advisories. Trucks carrying small or empty loads are particularly at risk.

VDOT monitors wind speeds at major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. These include the Downing Bridge, Eltham Bridge, Gwynn's Island bridge, Lord Delaware Bridge, and Norris Bridge.

According to VDOT's protocol, if sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes or there are frequent gusts of 45 mph or greater, a high wind advisory notice will be posted on these bridges. If sustained winds reach 45 mph or above for 15 minutes, a bridge closure notice will be issued. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded.

Notices regarding high wind advisories or bridge closures are displayed on message boards at the bridges and communicated through VDOT news releases and social media platforms including @VaDOTFRED on X and the VDOT Fredericksburg District Facebook group page.