Old Dominion News

A high wind advisory has been announced for the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge, which carries Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. The advisory impacts high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, large vans, and SUVs, which are advised against crossing the bridge. Trucks carrying small or empty loads face heightened risks under these conditions.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for monitoring wind speeds on major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The monitored bridges include Downing Bridge on Route 360, Eltham Bridge connecting the Town of West Point and New Kent County, the Route 223 bridge at Gwynn's Island, and the Lord Delaware Bridge on Route 33.

The VDOT issues high wind advisories under specific conditions: sustained winds reaching 30 mph over a 30-minute period or frequent gusts of 45 mph or greater. When these thresholds are met, advisories for high-profile vehicles are issued, suggesting they avoid crossing. If winds sustain at 45 mph or more over 15 minutes, VDOT may issue a bridge closure notice, though these bridges will not be physically blocked.

Updates on high wind advisories and bridge closures are communicated via message boards stationed at affected bridges. For further information on road conditions, including those affected by weather-related risks, traffic incidents, or work zones, the public is encouraged to use 511Virginia services. The free 511Virginia app is available for download on Apple and Android platforms, giving access to real-time traffic updates and camera feeds.

For additional assistance, VDOT provides services through its Customer Service Center.