Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced a temporary closure of the median crossover at the Route 17 and Route 610 (Woods Cross Road/Davenport Road) intersection in Gloucester County. This closure will occur during daytime hours from April 9 to April 11.

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these dates, the median crossover will be closed to maintain the safety of both drivers and construction workers. The work is a part of the ongoing efforts to modify the intersection, weather permitting. During the closure, drivers coming from Woods Cross Road or Davenport Road will be instructed to make right turns and then U-turn at existing Route 17 crossovers to proceed in their desired direction. During this period, Route 17 travelers will not be allowed to make left turns onto these roads.

"Crews will be operating large, heavy equipment in the crossover area on Wednesday - Friday. The temporary presence of equipment in this area will restrict motorist sight distance," stated VDOT, explaining the need for closure to secure a safe line of sight for drivers turning onto Route 17.

The construction project, valued at $5.1 million, began on March 24 and is expected to conclude by December 2025. Upon completion, new traffic patterns will facilitate safer left turns, with designated U-turn spots approximately 700 feet from the current intersection setup. "Route 17 travelers will be able to make left turns onto Woods Cross Road or Davenport Road as part of the final traffic pattern," VDOT noted.

Following the reopening of the crossover on April 12, construction will shift to another area within the work zone. However, during the summer of 2025, the crossover will once again close for construction and will not reopen until December 2025, when the project is complete.

Drivers on Route 17 should also prepare for delays beginning April 14, as the road will be reduced from four lanes to two over the following two months. This measure is necessary to advance works close to live traffic, with only one lane in each direction expected to remain open. "Traffic control devices such as signs, pavement markings, barrels and lane configurations will be adjusted as needed to prioritize the safety of travelers and workers," VDOT assured.