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Updated : Presumed Victim Never Found – Left Area

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Along The AT
Near Humpback Rocks
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford

Updated : 6:45 PM
Rescue crews are pulling out of the search and believe the hiker has made it to safety in the Afton area. That’s the only info we have at this time.

“Thursday afternoon/evening we spent a few hours attempting to access a patient in a shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Multiple callers reported hearing a male screaming that he had been attacked by a bear. All of our readers should understand that bear attacks are exceedingly rare in Virginia and they were even more rare Thursday night in Nelson County. The “patient” was never found,” WFD said in the Facebook post below.

Original post below:

Rescue and law enforcement teams are trying to reach an, apparent, injured hiker along the Appalachian Trail (AT) as of 5:15 PM.

An original call stated someone had been attacked by a bear and nearby hikers said they heard someone screaming, “Stop!”

None of this has been confirmed and the hiker has not been located as of the original post. Numerous crews are working the area and a helicopter is in the area looking and may be used to hoist the victim out.

We have inquires in, but many are on the scene and out of range or too busy.

It’s also noteworthy, bear attacks are extremely rare in Virginia, and none have been reported in Nelson, as far as our research has shown, in the last 50 years.

This is a fluid story and we will update as soon as we have more info.

Tommy

Freeze Warning In Mountains & West : Frost Advisory To The East Of BRP

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Central Virginia Blue Ridge Area

By Tommy Stafford

If the winds clam down enough tonight we could see the first widespread frost and light freeze to many areas of the Blue Ridge. We’ll see gusty winds all day Saturday with temps only in the 50s. By Saturday night if those winds settle down (there’s some question if that happens) then we have a good setup for frost and freezes. The freeze warning mentioned below is along and west of the Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive. Think, Wintergreen, Montebello, and Big Meadows to name a few. On the eastern side of the parkway there’s a frost advisory overnight. Think, Afton, Ivy, Greenwood to name a few there.

Down below the specifics from the NWS.

Have a great Saturday and rest of your weekend!
Tommy

FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 8 AM EDT SUNDAY
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1236 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

Washington-Frederick-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-Extreme Western
Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Harford-Western
Garrett-Eastern Garrett-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick-
Page-Warren-Clarke-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-Western
Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern
Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-Eastern
Pendleton-
Including the cities of McNeill, Ridgeville, Frostburg, Shenandoah
Junction, Franklin, Mill Gap, Three Churches, Kitzmiller, Magnolia,
Bayard, Rawlings, Montebello, Seymourville, Hightown, Rileyville,
Chester Gap, Compton, Hancock, Sugar Grove, Mustoe, Masonville,
Glyndon, Keyser, Paw Paw, Clary, Oak Flat, Churchville, Shady Grove,
Woodstock, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Glen Echo, Bloomery,
Russelldale, Cedar Grove, Front Royal, Stuarts Draft, Ruddle,
Cumberland, Sulphur City, Headsville, Mount Clifton, Arco, Riverton,
Cabins, Grantsville, Christian, Antioch, Landes, Piedmont, Hamburg,
Gamber, Randallstown, Kimball, Bel Air, New Hampden, Reynolds,
Martinsburg, Howellsville, Berkeley Spgs, Halfway, Fairview, New
Creek, Linville, Purgitsville, Hagerstown, McDowell, Ranson, La Vale,
Romney, Sirons Mill, Springfield, Long Green, Timonium, Fallston,
Spottswood, Points, Bentonville, Lucketts, Park Mills, Westminster,
Brady, Fisher, Monterey, Petersburg, Cockeysville, Moorefield, Mount
Jackson, Bakerton, Eldersburg, Welton, Brake, Kline Gap, Strasburg,
Frenchburg, Hickory, Possum Trot, McCoole, Winchester, Smith
Crossroads, Bynum, Berryville, Oakland, Albin, Staunton, Ballenger
Creek, Hawkinstown, Cedarville, Buckton, Ingham, Beechwood,
Gainesboro, Millville, Luray, Wapocomo, Harrisonburg, Bean
Settlement, Wilsonia, Frederick, Stringtown, Charles Town, Middleway,
Buckeystown, Waynesboro, Fort Ashby, Clover Creek, Brandywine,
Alonzaville, Skyland, Ellerslie, Westernport, Mountain Lake Park, and
Liberty
1236 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 8 AM EDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s are
possible.

* WHERE…Portions of north central and western Maryland, central,
northwest, and western Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West
Virginia.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 8 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 8 AM EDT SUNDAY
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1236 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-
Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Northern Fauquier-Southern
Fauquier-Eastern Loudoun-Northwest Prince William-
Including the cities of Glenwood, Catalpa, Lisbon, Castleton, Flint
Hill, Bethel, Haymarket, Woolsey, Boyds, Dayton, Gleedsville,
Leesburg, Stevensburg, Burr Hill, Greenfield, Lahore, Sterling Park,
Nasons, Charlottesville, Fordsville, Twymans Mill, Five Forks,
Culpeper, Madison Mills, Glenelg, Dulles International Airport,
Countryside, Cardova, Unionville, Rock Mills, Watersville,
Washington, Oak Grove, Madison Run, Poplar Springs, Warrenton, Reva,
Germantown, Winston, Rapidan, Turnbull, Hackleys Crossroads, West
Friendship, Overton, Shady Grove, Orange, Airlie, and Everona
1236 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 8 AM EDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland and central, northern, and
northwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 8 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM EDT SUNDAY
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
541 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

Surry-Wilkes-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-
Amherst-
Including the cities of Buena Vista, Wilkesboro, Salem, Lexington,
Fincastle, Roanoke, Bedford, Amherst, Stuart, Dobson, and Rocky Mount
541 AM EDT Sat Oct 17 2026

…FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM EDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…In North Carolina, Surry and Wilkes Counties. In Virginia,
Amherst, Bedford, Patrick, Botetourt, Franklin, Roanoke, and
Rockbridge Counties.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 9 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Blue Ridge Mountain Maze Open Weekends Until November 8th

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Beech Grove / Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia

The Blue Ridge Mountain Maze is back again in 2026 and it’s better than ever before. We went down this past weekend and really enjoyed hanging out. The annual even is held each fall on the grounds at Blue Toad Hard Cider.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : In spite of showers from the nearby tropical depression lots of folks still came out to the maze and the nearby festivities on there grounds. Saturday – October 10, 2026

For this week only the maze will be open on Columbus Day, Monday – October 12, 2026. The maze was closed on Sunday due to those heavy rains.

You can purchase tickets online here, or at the gate when you arrive!

Nelson : Another Semi Blocks Traffic Thursday Afternoon Near Brents Gap

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Near Brents Gap
Route 151
Nelson County, Virginia

If you have followed us over the years we’ve kept up as much as we can with semi truck drivers, often with over length, trailers trying to navigate going up the mountain and through Brents Gap of Nelson County along Route 151. We often tell our Bingo card players to move forward one space on their playing card.

Thursday afternoon, a semi got stuck there trying to go northbound. As luck would have it, another semi was going the opposite direction, that was special.

Traffic was blocked on at least one side for well over an hour as the scene was cleared.

A similar situation became a regular occurrence on Route 664 ar Reeds Gap near the Wintergreen entrance over the years. Eventually VDOT restricted semis from going over that area. Though, some still slip through and still get stuck. The situation on Brents has never been addressed. So far.

The roadway along and near Brents Gap was open as of 4:40 PM when someone driving through let us know.

VDOT : District Traffic Alert for September 14 – 18, 2026

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Staunton District Traffic Alert for
September 14 – 18, 2026

Highway Work Zones in the VDOT Staunton District

STAUNTON – The following is a list of maintenance and construction work that may affect traffic in the VDOT Staunton District, which consists of 11 counties in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands.

 

Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. When traveling through a work zone, use extreme caution and be alert for lane closures and traffic-pattern changes.

 

*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a change from last week’s report.

 

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

 

INTERSTATE 64 

*NEW* Mile marker 25 to 26, eastbound and westbound – Right lane closures for bridge inspection, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.

*NEW* Mile marker 35 to 37, eastbound and westbound – Right lane closures for bridge inspection, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

 

PRIMARY ROADS

*UPDATE* Route 60 (West Ridgeway Street/Main Street) – Eastbound shoulder closures for mowing between Route 696 (Selma-Low Moor Road) and Clifton Forge western town limits, 7 a.m. to noon p.m. Friday.

Route 159 (Dunlap Creek Road) – Signalized traffic control for bridge replacement between Route 655 (Moss Run Road) and Route 717 (Boone Road) through June 2028.   

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for tree and debris removal, drainage work, pothole patching, brush cutting, ditching and shoulder repairs, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for ditch work, shoulder repairs, pothole repairs, pipe replacement and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. 

 

 

BATH COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for shoulder repairs and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

 

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

 

INTERSTATE 64 

No lane closures reported.

 

INTERSTATE 81  

Mile marker 174 to 177, northbound – Overnight single lane closures for paving, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights through October 1.

*NEW* Mile marker 186 to 204, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, including at the off-ramps for Exit 188B and Exit 195, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 190 to 195, northbound – Overnight left lane closures for shoulder repairs, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Tuesday nights.

 

PRIMARY ROADS

*UPDATE* Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Northbound shoulder closures at various locations between Route 251 (Link Road) and Route 785 (Sam Houston Way) for mowing, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Route 130 (Rockbridge Road/Wert Faulkner Highway) – Flagger traffic control for tree removal between Route 860 (Douglas Way) and Route 826 (Pine View Drive), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25. 

Route 252 (Brownsburg Turnpike) – Flagger traffic control for tree removal between Route 722 (Rocky Lane) and the Augusta County line, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 612 (Bluegrass Trail) – Temporary diversion with stop-and-proceed traffic pattern between Route 807 (Pullen Road) and Botetourt County line for bridge replacement over North Buffalo Creek, through September 24.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for grading, pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, pavement patching, shoulder repairs and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

 

HIGHLAND COUNTY

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 220 (Potomac River Road) – Temporary traffic signal in operation 24/7 between Route 632 (The Pines Road) and Route 629 (Strait Creek Road) for Strait Creek bridge replacement. Estimated completion August 2027.

*NEW* Route 250 (Mountain Turnpike) – Temporary lane closures in both directions between the West Virginia state line and Route 600 (Upper Back Creek Road) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., September 14 through September 23. 

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pothole patching, brush cutting and shoulder repairs, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 640 (Blue Grass Valley Road) – Traffic diversion in place 24/7 just south of Route 642 (Laurel Fork Road) for bridge replacement through November 30. 

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting, pipe cleaning, tree removal, and adding stone to unpaved roads, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

 

AUGUSTA COUNTY 

 

INTERSTATE 64 

Mile marker 91 to 87, westbound – Shoulder closures for tree removal, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25.

*NEW* Exit 96, westbound – Shoulder closures for pipe installations, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

INTERSTATE 81 

Mile marker 208 to 210, northbound – Right shoulder closures for tree removal, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25.

*NEW* Mile marker 213 to 235, northbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 218 to 214, southbound – Overnight single lane closures for pavement testing, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights.

Mile marker 218 to 214, southbound – Overnight mobile right lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

Mile marker 221 to 218, southbound – Right shoulder closures for tree removal, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 221 to 227, northbound and southbound – Southbound overnight closures between mile marker 226 and 222 for sign installation, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday night. Motorists should follow posted detour. Single-lane traffic on exit 221 southbound ramp to I-64 East 24/7. Shoulder closures and travel lane shifts northbound and southbound 24/7. Traffic restrictions are for I-81 widening project with estimated completion in summer 2027. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour.

Mile marker 225 to 235, northbound and southbound – Brief slow-roll closures (rolling roadblocks) for overhead utility work between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday, September 13.

Mile marker 225 to 234, northbound – Overnight mobile right lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

Mile marker 231 to 234, northbound – Right shoulder closures for tree removal, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 234 to 237, northbound and southbound – Northbound overnight left lane closures between mile marker 235 to 237 for barrier relocation, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Wednesday nights. Left shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 60 miles per hour. Traffic restrictions are for construction of I-81 truck-climbing lanes with estimated completion of late 2027. 

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) – Eastbound right lane closures for turn lane construction between Route 636 (Old Goose Creek Road) and Route 822 (Greenview Drive), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 2.

*NEW* Route 252 (Middlebrook Avenue) – Flagger traffic control for tree removal operations between the Staunton city line and Route 802 Dynamite Road, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. September 14 through October 12.

*NEW* Route 254 (Hermitage Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 642 (Barrenridge Road) and Route 839 (Eureka Mill Road) for overhead powerline work, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 14 – 30.

*NEW* Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Westbound shoulder closures for traffic engineering between the junction with Interstate 81 and Route 11 (Lee Jackson Highway), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

*NEW* Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Slow roll traffic control between Route 613 (Old Greenville Road) interchange and Route 11 (Lee Highway) interchange for utility work, 12 midnight to 6 a.m. Sunday morning.

Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Overnight flagger traffic control for paving between Route 11 (Commerce Road/Lee-Jackson Highway) and Route 250 (Churchville Avenue) including interchange ramps, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through the night of October 1. 

*NEW* Route 358 (Woodrow Wilson Avenue) – Shoulder closures between Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) and Service Route 9695 for work related to lane construction, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for drainage work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

 

INTERSTATE 81 

Mile marker 237 to 240, northbound and southbound – Overnight left lane closures, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights. Left shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 60 miles per hour. Traffic restrictions are for construction of I-81 truck-climbing lanes with estimated completion of late 2027. 

Mile marker 240 to 251, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for right shoulder strengthening/widening and setting steel barrier on left shoulder, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday to Thursday nights through January 2027. Traffic restrictions are for I-81 widening. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour.

Mile marker 242 to 248, northbound and southbound – Shoulder closures 24/7, overnight single-lane closures and occasional overnight slow-roll traffic as needed for Route 33 bridge and interchange project. Completion scheduled for early October. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour.

*NEW* Mile marker 258 to 264, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for bridge painting, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights, 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights and 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday nights September 10 – February 1.

 

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Turn lane and shoulder closures between Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) and Harrisonburg city limits for work related to road widening project, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*UPDATE* Route 11 (North Valley Pike) – Southbound turn-lane closures and travel-lane shifts forsidewalk installation between Jewell Street and Harrisonburg northern city limits, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Estimated project completion fall 2027.

*NEW* Route 33 (Rawley Pike) – Flagger traffic control between Route 847 (Rawley Springs Road) and Loewner Lane for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Westbound right shoulder closures for utility work between Elkton Middle School and Route 634 (Tanyard Bridge Road), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 30.

Route 33 (East Market Street, Harrisonburg) – Single-lane closures and lane shifts as needed between Hawkins Street and University Boulevard. Shoulder closures 24/7. Traffic restrictions are for bridge replacements and interchange improvements with expected completion in mid-September.

Route 42(Harpine Highway) – Single lane closures for paving between Harrisonburg city limits and Route 772 (Greenmount Road), 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 1 through October 9. 

*NEW* Route 253 (Port Republic Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 1604 (Tiger Camp Road) and Route 1601 (New Haven Road) for inspection of bridge over the South River, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

*NEW* Route 259 (Brocks Gap Road) – Flagger traffic control between   North Mountain Road and Route 613 (Turleytown Road) for inspection of the bridge over North Fork Shenandoah River, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

Route 259 (Brocks Gap Road) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Route 820 (Bergton Road) and Route 921 (Lairs Run Road), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 9. 

Route 259 (Brocks Gap Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 818 (Little Dry River Road) and Route 820 (Bergton Road) for overhead utility work, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through September 25.

Route 340 (Stuart Avenue, Elkton) – Single lane closures for utility work between Spotswood Avenue and Blue and Gold Drive, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 30.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 765 (Buttermilk Creek Road) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Route 753 (Kratzer Road) and Route 42 (Harpine Highway), 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. September 14 through October 23.

*NEW* Route 794 (Craney Island Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 11 (North Valley Pike) and Route 620 (Mountain Valley Road/Smith Creek Road) for bridge painting, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. September 11 through February 2.

*NEW* Route 796 (Moores Mill Road) – Flagger traffic control near Route 620 (Mountain Valley Road) intersection for bridge painting, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. September 11 through February 2.

*NEW* Route 798 (Arkton Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 11 (North Valley Pike) and Route 620 (Mountain Valley Road) for bridge painting, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. September 11 through February 2.

 

PAGE COUNTY

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 340 – Flagger traffic control between Route 648 (Sandy Hook Road) and Warren County line for utility work, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October 30.

Route 340 – Flagger traffic control between Route 660 (Kibler Hill Road) and Route 654 (Vaughn Summit Road) for pole replacement, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday.

Route 340 Business (Main Street, Stanley) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Pond Avenue and Chapel Road, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 654 (Old Forge Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 675 (Bixlers Ferry Road) and Route 653 (Sedwick Road) for utility pole replacement, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through September 24.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

 

 

SHENANDOAH COUNTY

 

INTERSTATE 81 

Mile marker 266 to 299, northbound and southbound – Overnight mobile lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

*NEW* Mile marker 273 to 274, northbound and southbound – Overnight right lane closures for inspection of Mt. Jackson Road overpass bridge, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday night.

*NEW* Mile marker 273 to 284, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, including at the off-ramp at Exit 273, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mile marker 288 to 292, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for bridge painting, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. through the night of November 30. Weekend work hours vary. 

Mile marker 294 to 299, Overnight single lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through January 2028. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are related to I-81 southbound widening project. 

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 11 (Old Valley Pike/Main Street, Woodstock) – Overnight mobile traffic control between Route 672 (Chapman Landing Road) and Lakeview Drive for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through night of September 29.

*UPDATE* Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) – Flagger traffic control for paving between Route 866 (Mountain View Drive) and Route 639 (Green Acre Drive), 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) – Overnight mobile traffic control between Route 866 (Mountain View Drive) and Cedar Lane for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 24.

Route 42 (Senedo Road/West Reservoir Road) – Mobile lane closures between Route 11 (Main Street, Woodstock) and Route 683 (Honeysuckle Avenue) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 55 (Front Royal Road) – Overnight flagger traffic control between Strasburg eastern town limits and Warren County line for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Thursday night.

Route 55 (King Street/Front Royal Road) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between Route 11 (Massanutten Street) and the Strasburg eastern town limits, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 29.

Route 55/48 (Front Royal Road/John Marshall Highway) – Mobile traffic control between Warren County line and Route 628 (Old Grade Road) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 185 (Stoney Creek Road) – Mobile traffic control between Route 686 (South Ox Road) and Route 11 (South Main Street, Edinburg) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

*NEW* Route 211 (Lee Highway) – Eastbound and westbound right lane closures between Route 1002 (Old Cross Road) and Route 620 (Smith Creek Road) for inspection of bridge over Smith Creek, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Route 211 (West Lee Highway) – Mobile traffic control between Rockingham County line and I-81 interchange for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 211 (East Lee Highway, New Market) – Flagger traffic control between North Congress Street (Route 211) and Travellers Court for sidewalk construction, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October 28. 

Route 292 (Mount Jackson Road) – Mobile traffic control between Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) and I-81 interchange for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 698 (Palmyra Church Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 695 (Swann Road) and Route 822 (Cave Spring Lane) for inspection of bridge over North Fork Shenandoah River, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday.

*NEW* Route 728 (New Market Depot Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 953 (Plains Mill Road) and Route 617 (River Road) for inspection of bridge over North Fork Shenandoah River, noon to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

*NEW* Route 730 (Caverns Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 833 (Stonewall Lane) and Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for inspection of bridge over North Fork Shenandoah River, 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday.

 

 

FREDERICK COUNTY

 

INTERSTATE 81  

Mile marker 300 to 302, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures southbound from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through January 2028. Single shoulder closures 24/7 through January 2028. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are related to I-81 southbound widening project. 

*NEW* Mile marker 303 to 308, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mile marker 314 to 316, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for bridge painting, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. through night of September 30. Weekend work hours vary. 

Mile marker 322 to 320, southbound – Overnight single lane closures for paving, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of October 30.

Mile marker 324 to 299, southbound – Overnight left lane closures at various locations for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 7 (Berryville Pike) – Eastbound and westbound single lane closures between Ross Street (Winchester) and Route 659 (Burnt Factory Road) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike/Valley Pike) – Mobile traffic control between West Virginia state line and Warren County line for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

*NEW* Route 37 – Northbound and southbound right lane closures between Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike) interchange and Route 522 (North Frederick Pike) interchange for inspection of Campus Boulevard overpass bridge, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Route 37 – Northbound and southbound single lane closures between Route 642/847 (Tasker Road/Hillandale Lane) and Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike) – Overnight mobile lane closures for pavement marking between Route 688 (Stony Hill Road) and Route 600 (Hayfield Road), 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike/Millwood Pike) – Mobile traffic control between West Virginia state line and Route 644 (Parkins Mill Road) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 55/48 (Wardensville Pike) – Mobile traffic control between West Virginia state line and Shenandoah County line for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 127 (Bloomery Pike) – Mobile traffic control between West Virginia state line and Route 522 (North Frederick Pike) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 259 (Carpers Pike) – Mobile traffic control between West Virginia state line and Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 277 (Fairfax Pike) – Mobile traffic control between Route 11 (Main Street, Stephens City) and Route 340/522 (Front Royal Pike) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) – Northbound right lane closures between Windy Hill Lane and Premier Place for improvements to Windcrest Drive entrance, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through October 1.

Route 522/340 (North Frederick Pike/Front Royal Pike) Northbound and southbound single lane closures between West Virginia state line and Warren County line for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 661 (Redbud Road) – Flagger traffic control as needed near Route 682 (Milburn Road) forroadway relocation. Expected completion October 2027.

Route 662 (Milburn Road) – Flagger traffic control as needed near Route 661 (Redbud Road) forrelocation of Redbud Road. Expected completion October 2027.

Route 707 (Hollow Road) – Road closed and detour in place for bridge work between Route 259 (Carpers Pike) and Route 610 (Muse Road), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 19.

*UPDATE* Various roads – Flagger traffic control for utility work on parts of Route 619 (Perry Road), Route 622 (Cedar Creek Grade), Route 623 (Fromans Road), Route 628 (Middle Road), Route 629 (Laurel Grove Road), Route 631 (Marlboro Road),  Route 649 (Springdale Road), Route 732 (Barley Lane) and Route 1194 (Serviceberry Court), through September 30. 

 

 

CLARKE COUNTY                                           

 

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Eastbound and westbound overnight single lane closures for bridge maintenance between Business Route 7 (East Main Street, Berryville) and Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway), 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. through September 25.

Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Eastbound and westbound right lane closures between Frederick County line and Route 601 (Blueridge Mountain Road) for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 7 Business (Main Street, Berryville) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between intersections with Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) – Eastbound left lane closures for tree removal between Route 622 (Swift Shoals Road) and Route 625 (Kennel Road), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 25. 

Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) – Mobile traffic control for pavement marking between Route 622 (Swift Shoals Road) and the Fauquier County line, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, September 18.

Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) – Westbound single lane closures for utility work between Route 601 (Blue Ridge Mountain Road) and Route 606 (Mount Carmel Road), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 30.

Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) – Eastbound and westbound mobile traffic control for pavement marking between the Frederick County line and the Fauquier County line, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 255 (Bishop Meade Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) and Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway)

for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

*NEW* Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway) – Northbound and southbound right lane closures near Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) interchange for inspection of Route 340 bridges, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.

Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway) – Mobile lane closures between Warren County line and Boyce town limits for pavement marking, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 30.

Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway) – Overnight mobile lane closures between Warren County line and Boyce town limits for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nights through Thursday.

Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between Route 522/277 (Fairfax Pike/Front Royal Pike) and the West Virginia line, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 522 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Mobile traffic control between Route 277/340 (Fairfax Pike/Lord Fairfax Highway) and Route 50 (John Mosby Highway), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for utility work on parts of Route 601 (Blue Ridge Mountain Road/Raven Rocks Road), Route 606 (River Road), Route 606 (Mount Carmel Road), Route 608 (Parshall Road), Route 613 (Lockes Mill Road), Route 621 (Lockes Mill Road) and Route 638 (Howellsville Road) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 30.

 

 

WARREN COUNTY

 

INTERSTATE 66 

Mile marker 1 to 6, eastbound and westbound – Single lane closures for bridge painting, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. Weekend work hours vary. Estimated completion October 30. 

Mile marker 2 to 0, westbound – Shoulder closures for road work related to I-81 southbound widening, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through January 2028.

Mile marker 6 to 13, eastbound and westbound – Overnight single lane closures for bridge work, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the nights of September 7 through September 24.

*NEW* Mile marker 11 to 12, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 12 to 15, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

INTERSTATE 81  

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures northbound from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through January 2028. Single shoulder closures 24/7 through January 2028. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are related to I-81 southbound widening project. 

Mile marker 300 to 299, southbound – Overnight left lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of Saturday, September 19.

 

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway/South Street, Front Royal) – Flagger traffic control between Fauquier County line and Route 340 (South Royal Avenue) for utility work, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 14 – 30.

Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Overnight flagger traffic control for pavement marking between Front Royal eastern town limits and the Fauquier County line, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday.

Route 55 (Strasburg Road) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between the Shenandoah County line and the Front Royal western town limits, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 79 (Apple Mountain Road) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) and I-66 interchange, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Route 737 (Walters Lane/Thunderbird Road) and Route 605 (Poor House Road), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 24.

Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Overnight flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 605 (Poor House Road) for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the night of September 29.

Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between the Page County line and Frederick County line, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Southbound overnight single-lane closures between Route 639 (Ashby Station Road) and Route 661 (Fairground Road) for safety improvements, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nights through November 1.

Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Northbound overnight single-lane closures between Route 658 (Rockland Road) and Country Club Road for safety improvements, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nights through November 1.

Route 522 (Remount Road/Winchester Road) – Flagger traffic control for pavement marking between the Rappahannock County line and the Clarke County line, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30.

 

SECONDARY ROADS

*UPDATE* Route 660 (Wakeman Mill Road/Kendrick Ford Road) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Route 619 (Mountain Road) and

Route 646 (Esteppe Road), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 26.

*UPDATE* Various roads – Flagger traffic control for utility work on parts of Route 603 (Oregon Hollow Road), Route 605 (Poor House Road), Route 608 (Wilson Burke Road), Route 613 (Panhandle Road), Route 619 (Rivermont Drive), Route 622 (Liberty Hall Road), Route 628 (Rocky Hollow Road), Route 631 (Gooney Manor Loop) and Route 632 (Fetchett Road), Route 636 (Grassland Road) and Route 638 (Fiery Run Road), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 30. 

 

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

 

SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORK

CULPEPER DISTRICT: Sept. 14–18, 2026

Culpeper — To view next week’s construction and maintenance work for the Culpeper District, visit the Culpeper District Weekly Traffic Alert: Sept. 14–18, 2026.

District-wide activities:

Crews will perform various activities throughout the district, including bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush, tree, limb cutting, pothole, surface, and shoulder repairs, surface treatment and paving operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage work and roadside cleanup.

The date and time ranges indicate when work is scheduled, not when it will be completed, and all activities depend on weather conditions.

For information regarding major projects for the district, please visit Culpeper District’s major projects.

For live traffic and road work information visit 511 Virginia or download the free VDOT 511 Virginia Traffic appfor mobile devices.

Drivers can also sign up to receive personalized traffic alerts and view traffic cameras at 511 Virginia.

Follow VDOT Culpeper District at VDOT Culpeper (@VaDOTCULP) / X,  and join our Facebook group at VDOT Culpeper District | Facebook .

Other resources:

Paving Status Map

Virginia Roads

VDOT’s nine-county Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. The independent City of Charlottesville maintains its own roads.

 

LYNCHBURG — Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov

District-wide activities:

 

Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment/paving operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/ work and roadside cleanup.

Work at specific locations:

Amherst County:

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Appomattox County:

Route 460 Appomattox Bypass (Richmond Highway) – Road reconstruction. Westbound Route 460 has been reduced to one lane and speed limit reduced to 45 mph through the work zone. Expect delays. An Automated Photo Enforcement system is in place. Maintain proper speed throughout the work zone. Expected completion December 2026.

 

Buckingham County:

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Campbell County:

Route 29 (Wards Road) at Route 699 (Gladys Rd.) – Intersection improvement project. The left lanes of Rt. 29 will be closed in both the northbound and southbound directions in the vicinity of the Rt. 699 (Gladys Road) intersection. The median crossover at the intersection of Rt. 699 and Rt. 29 will also be closed. Traffic coming from Rt. 699 wanting to head south on Rt. 29 will need to make a right turn and then make a U-Turn at the newly constructed bulb-out. Rt. 29 southbound traffic wanting to turn left onto Rt. 699 will need to pass the intersection and make a U-Turn at the next available median crossover or at the Rt. 29 Business exit.  Expected completion September 2026.

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Charlotte County: 

Route 642 (Mossing Ford Road) over Roanoke Creek – Bridge replacement. The bridge over Roanoke Creek is closed with detour in place to direct traffic. Expected reopening December 2026.

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Cumberland County:

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Halifax County:

Intersection of Route 360 (North Main Street) and Route 501 (L P Baily Highway) – Intersection Improvement Project (Roundabout). Work will be taking place along the shoulders with intermittent lane closures and flagging operations expected. Expect delays. Expected completion November 2027.

Route 667 (Leda Road) at Bye Creek (36.843876, -79.083870) – Bridge replacement. Leda Road is closed to thru traffic from Route 57 (Halifax Road) to the intersection of Route 753 (Beulah Road). Expected completion October 2026.

Route 501: Huell Matthews Highway from Route 744 (East Hyco Road) to Route 96 (Virgilina Rd.) – Safety improvements. Shoulder widening, rumble strips, and guardrail replacement project. Lane closures expected. Expected completion December 2026.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Lynchburg:

Intersection of Wards Ferry Road and CVCC Campus Drive – Intersection Improvement Project (Roundabout). Work will be taking place along the shoulders of Wards Ferry and CVCC Campus Drive in the vicinity of this intersection. Expect temporary flagging operations on Wards Ferry Road and CVCC Campus Drive. Harvard Street is closed at the Wards Ferry intersection, with traffic following a signed detour route along College Park Drive to get to/from Wards Ferry Road. Expected completion November 2027.

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Nelson County:

Route 29 (Thomas Nelson Hwy.) and Route 653 (Oak Ridge Road) – Intersection improvement and turn lane project. The right, northbound lane of Route 29 is closed from 0.6 miles south of Route 653 to 0.2 miles north of Rt. 653. The speed limit along Route 29 is reduced to 50 mph while the lane closure is in place. Expect temporary flagging operations on Oak Ridge Road as work is performed on the shoulders and ditches. The expected completion date is October 9, 2026.

Route 29 (Thomas Nelson Highway) from the Amherst County Line to Route 718 (Mountain Cove Rd.) – Safety improvements. Shoulder widening, rumble strips, and guardrail replacement project. Lane closures expected. Expected completion July 2027.  

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Pittsylvania County:

Route 311 (Harville-Saunders Parkway) – Road widening project. Expect temporary lane closures utilizing flagging operations. Expected completion November 2027.

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

Prince Edward County:

Please note district-wide activities above. 

 

 

About the district

The Lynchburg District includes the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward, and the cities of Lynchburg and Danville.

For more information, visit VDOT’s website at vdot.virginia.gov. View traffic information at511.vdot.virginia.gov. Contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). 

Arrington : Lake Nelson : Body Found In Submerged Car – Updated 2PM

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Lake Nelson
Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia

Updated 2:00 PM With Sheriff’s information:

Here is the verbatim press release Sheriff Mark Embrey just sent.

“On Monday, September 7, 2026, at 6:49 A.M., Nelson County
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Nelson in Arrington, Virginia, for a report of a
motor vehicle that was partially submerged in the water. Upon arrival at 7:05
A.M., Deputies observed a passenger vehicle in Lake Nelson, approximately thirty
yards from the publicly-accessed boat ramp.

Photo courtesy of NCSO : Crews prepare to remove a submerged car from Lake Nelson early Monday morning – September 7, 2026

Additional resources were immediately contacted and responded to the scene.
With assistance from the Virginia State Police Dive Unit, as well as Wintergreen
Fire and Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue Unit, the vehicle was extricated from the
w a t e r .

Inside the vehicle, Nelson County Deputies located a male subject that was
positioned in the driver’s seat. The male has been identified as Mr. Graham Isaac
Bolter of Waynesboro, Virginia. Mr. Bolter’s body has been transported to the
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, as part of the
investigation.

At this time, there are no additional details that will be released. Our Office would
like to thank the Virginia State Police, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, and the local
agencies that assisted with this incident.

Very Truly,
Sheriff Mark E. Embrey”

Sheriff Embrey’s verbatim press release in original form can be found here.

-Updated 11:55 AM – We are awaiting official information from the Nelson Sheriff. However we have been able to independently confirm that it appears a body has been pulled from the car that went into the lake. Additional details as they are available.

8:45 AM Original post
BRL has confirmed crews are working a scene at Lake Nelson in Eastern Nelson County, Virginia. Details are few at this point, but numerous law enforcement, rescue and state wildlife personnel are working the scene, or en route.

A car was discovered in the water this morning.

Sheriff Mark Embrey tells us it is unknown at this time if the car has occupants. The investigation continues.

More information as we know.

Afton : Nelson Sheriff Releases More Information On Thursday Barricade Situation

 

Editor’s clarification note: This situation in Afton is totally unrelated to information circulating that some parents received earlier in the day about a middle school student incident. Sheriff Mark Embrey told us the two are completely unrelated. We have no details on that incident at this time.

Afton
Nelson County, Virginia

This is an update from Sheriff Mark Embrey on the story we told you about earlier Thursday in this post.

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, at approximately 7:41 A.M., Nelson County
Deputies were dispatched to a residential address located at 2323 Afton Mountain Road, Afton, Virginia, to conduct a welfare check on the residents of the premises. The caller requesting the welfare check was a neighbor who could hear screaming coming from inside the residence.

Upon arrival at this address, Deputies approached the front of the residence to establish contact with the resident. Prior to reaching the front entrance, Deputies heard the sound of a gunshot which originated from inside the residence. Deputies immediately took cover on the exterior of the premises, at which time they began to announce their presence to the residents. Within minutes, a female exited the front entrance of the residence and took safety with the deputies on scene. The female informed Deputies that she was in a relationship with the resident, whom she identified as Mr. Michael Wayne Scott.

The female informed Deputies that Mr. Scott was in possession of firearms, and he had been preventing her from leaving the residence. When Mr. Scott observed Deputies at the premises, he discharged the firearm inside the dwelling and allowed the female to exit the residence unharmed. The female confirmed that no other individuals were inside the residence other than Mr. Scott. Deputies secured a perimeter around the residence while attempting to establish communication with Mr. Scott. Additional law enforcement officers responded to this address, along with Tactical Teams from the Virginia State Police and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

Based upon information received from the female at the scene, Nelson County Deputies obtained multiple criminal arrest warrants for Michael Wayne Scott, as well as a Search Warrant for the premises. As Tactical Units converged on the residence to execute the Warrants of Arrest and Search Warrant, Mr. Scott exited the residence unarmed, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Michael Wayne Scott of 2323 Afton Mountain Road, Afton, Virginia, has been charged with the
following criminal offenses:
• 18.2-47 Abduction
• 18.2 -53.1 Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
• 18.2-308.1:3 Possession of a Firearm after having been Involuntarily Committed to a
Mental Health Facility
• 18.2-56.1| Reckless Handling of a Firearm

Upon execution of the Search Warrant, a total of four firearms were recovered from inside the residence by Investigators with our office.

Mr. Michael Wayne Scott has been transported to the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail where he his being held without bond.

NCSO would like to thank the Virginia State Police and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office for providing their assistance in resolving this situation. Sheriff Embrey also extends thanks to the Afton community for their patience, as we resolved this incident in a timely and safe manner.

News Bulletin : Update : Nelson Sheriff On Incident In Afton : 12:45 PM Sheriff Says Resolved

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Afton
Nelson County, Virginia

This story has been updated, see the updated below from Sheriff’s Office.

BRL has been able to confirm that a heavy law enforcement presence is on the scene of some type of incident in Afton. It’s along Route 6 west in the 2000 block.

Earlier today they sent a message via their Facebook page post below.

VDOT also has Route 6 blocked on both ends.

Later just before noon a message was sent out via telephone as well.

We do not know what the situation is about, but believe special weapons and tactical teams are also present at the location.

More as we know.

Book Signing of Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway on September 5 and 6

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Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Blue Ridge Parkway – MP 5.8 (VA)

The Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (540-943-4716) at milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is pleased to announce book signings by award-winning author, Leonard M. Adkins. On Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 from 10 am to 4 pm, Mr. Adkins will be signing copies of Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. In preparation for the book, and to insure accuracy of description and length, he walked every one of the parkway’s more than 130 official trails with a surveyor’s measuring wheel.

That’s just the beginning: the veteran hiker includes information on every trail that comes in contact with the parkway, including the Appalachian Trail and other public pathways on national park, state park, national forest, municipal, and private lands—including the trails of Wintergreen. There are GPS coordinates for official parkway trailheads, along with maps and photographs. Adkins notes each trail’s length, difficulty, points of interest, accessibility, and features. More than just a guide to the trails, the book also provides information about what to expect at overlooks, where to find a restroom, and suggests worthy side trips. There are also elevation change charts for bicyclists, minimum tunnel heights for RVs, camping recommendations, roadside bloom calendars, and sightseeing information for nearby towns.

The book has received praise and fine reviews:

“Adkins justifiably claims that this book is “the only guide you will ever need” when hiking, driving, or biking along the Blue Ridge Parkway. . . An excellent resource for walkers, hikers, or anyone planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway.” Library Journal

“[Adkins is] the perfect guide to take you on the Blue Ridge Parkway. . . a book that I will soon love to death.” NationalParksTraveler.com

“Having been introduced to this book, I wouldn’t take one step toward the Blue Ridge without Adkins to guide me.” Harrisonburg, Va Daily News-Record

Learn more about Mr. Adkins at habitualhiker.com.

VSP-Speed Safety Cameras Set to Go Live On Interstate 81 In Harrisonburg

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SPEED SAFETY CAMERAS SET TO GO LIVE ON INTERSTATE 81 IN HARRISONBURG
30-DAY WARNING PERIOD TO START AUG. 31

Rockingham County, Virginia 

“Virginia State Police is currently installing speed safety cameras on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound in a work zone in Harrisonburg between the 242- and 247-mile markers.  The cameras are authorized under Virginia law (Virginia Code § 46.2-882.1).

The enforcement in this work zone will begin with a 30-day “warning” period on Aug. 31. Violators will receive a warning to educate them about the program and enlist their support with improving work zone safety instead of a citation.  Each offense is validated by the Virginia State Police before a citation or warning is issued.

Once this 30-day warning period ends, if a vehicle is captured at ten or more miles per hour over the posted work zone speed limit, the registered owner of the vehicle may be issued a civil citation by mail. The associated fine is $100 but there is no impact on a person’s criminal record or vehicle insurance.

Drivers can challenge a citation they believe was given in error.   Information on how to contest the citation, as well as other facts about the program, can be found at Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program – Virginia State Police.

This program is focused on reducing crashes and injuries in Virginia’s major highway work zones through increased awareness and voluntary compliance with the speed limit.   Virginia State Police currently has speed safety cameras at two other work zones along Interstate 81, between the 143- and 150-mile markers in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties, and between the 221- and 225-mile markers in Augusta County.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”

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