Afton Mountain I-64
From VDOT
“The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Culpeper and Staunton districts are testing a new congestion warning system on Interstate 64 over Afton Mountain to enhance safety for motorists traveling along the corridor. The system will be live starting today, May 20, while testing is taking place. The system is expected to be fully operational this summer, after testing is complete.
The system uses detection sensors installed along the eastbound and westbound mountain grades to continuously monitor traffic speeds and traffic flow. When sensors detect stopped vehicles or significant speed reductions indicating congestion, flashing warning lights automatically activate to alert approaching drivers to use caution and prepare to slow down.
The congestion warning system is expected to be most active during peak travel periods, when traffic volumes increase along the corridor, and may also activate when incidents such as vehicle crashes or disabled vehicles cause traffic to slow or stop. By providing advance notice of sudden slowdowns, the system helps reduce the risk of rear-end crashes and improves overall driver awareness on steep mountain inclines.
The installation of this technology reflects VDOT’s continued commitment to proactive, data-driven safety improvements across both districts, particularly in areas where terrain and traffic patterns create higher crash risks.
In addition to the congestion warning system, VDOT will upgrade interchange lighting at I-64 exit 99 (Afton). This portion of the project is scheduled to go under construction by this summer. Details about both improvements are on the VDOT project page.
Motorists are reminded to remain alert for warning signals, reduce speed when flashing lights are activated, and allow additional following distance when traveling mountain corridors.
Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted on X.com/VaDOTCulp and the Culpeper District Facebook page.
Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Staunton District are posted on Facebook and X.”
