Home Blog Page 139

WINTER STORM WATCH : Updated to Include Some Lowland Areas (SEE LINK IN TEXT)

0
Via NWS : The areas highlighted in blue are under a Winter Storm Watch from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon. As of Saturday night the only places in the immediate Central Virginia area would be along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive in the higher elevations.

THIS WATCH HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 12:01 SUNDAY AFTERNOON TO INCLUDE SOME CENTRAL VA LOWLAND COUNTIES.

Here are the latest advisories / warnings from NWS

WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
752 PM EST Sat Mar 11 2017

District of Columbia-Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-
Northern Baltimore-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-
Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-
Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-
Southeast Harford-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Madison-Rappahannock-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Northern Fauquier-
Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-
752 PM EST Sat Mar 11 2017

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH
TUESDAY AFTERNOON…

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Winter Storm Watch, which is in effect from Monday
evening through Tuesday afternoon.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…Snow.

* ACCUMULATION…Potential for 5 or more inches of snow within 12
hours. Some locations may see significantly higher accumulation.

* TIMING…Snow will overspread the area Monday evening and
persist into Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…The heavy snow may make many roads impassable and may
produce power outages due to the weight of the snow on tree
limbs and power lines.

* WINDS…Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

* TEMPERATURES…In the lower 30s.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Augusta : VSP Investigating Fatal I-81 Crash

0

vsp graphic

Augusta County, Virginia

Via VSP:

“At 9:50 p.m., Friday (March 10), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 at the 219 mile marker in Augusta County. A box truck and another vehicle collided in the southbound lanes. There is one confirmed fatality. State police are still in the process of notifying that individual’s next of kin. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time.

Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”

VDOT Projects For Coming Days : Charlottesville & Staunton Districts

0

VDOT_Logo-1024x341

TRAFFIC ALERT FOR MARCH 13 to 17, 2017
Highway Work Zones in the Staunton District

STAUNTON – The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in the Staunton transportation district during the coming weeks. The Staunton district is comprised of 11 counties: Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren. Work scheduled is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

(NEW) or (UPDATE) indicates a new entry or a revised entry since last week’s report.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64
Mile marker 6 to 5, westbound – Right shoulder closure for drainage system repairs, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning March 6. Estimated project completion summer 2017.
(NEW) Mile marker 7 to 37, eastbound and westbound – Mobile, alternating lane closures for bridge deck sweeping operations. March 13 to 16, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mile marker 8 to 11, eastbound and westbound – Left lane closure on bridge over Route 600 (Indian Draft Road) for bridge work. Lane closure in place from 6:30 a.m. Monday to 6:30 p.m. Friday through March 17.
(NEW) Mile marker 16 to 18, eastbound left lane and shoulder closed for roadway sweeping. March 17, 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
Mile marker 18 to 20, eastbound – Right lane and shoulder closed for tree removal operations Monday to Friday through March 24, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

PRIMARY ROADS
Various roads – Patching with a mobile operation at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 600 (Indian Draft Road) Callaghan area – Flagger controlled lane closures on Route 600 at I-64 overpass for bridge work. 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday through March 17.
(NEW) Route 718 (Rucker Gap Road) – Alternating lane closures to West Virginia state line for Rural Rustic Road project. Lengthy delays possible March 13 to April 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Frontage Road 199 (Frontier Lane) – Road closed to through traffic. Right shoulder closures as crews repair paved channel along frontage road and westbound I-64 west of exit 7. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Estimated completion summer 2017.
Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement at various locations. Mobile lane closures as needed for brush cutting and patching at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BATH COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS
No lane closures reported.

SECONDARY ROADS
Various roads –Mobile lane closures as needed for brush cutting and pothole repairs at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64
(NEW) Mile marker 43 to 52, eastbound and westbound – Mobile, alternating lane closures for bridge sweeping. March 13 and 14, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mile marker 53 to 55, eastbound and westbound – Single-lane traffic through work zone. Westbound drivers use a median crossover to access the eastbound side of the interstate. After crossing the bridge, westbound drivers follow a second crossover to return to the I-64 westbound mainline. Eastbound traffic limited to the right lane. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour. Estimated project completion summer 2017.
Mile marker 56, westbound (near I-81/I-64 interchange in Lexington area) – Left lane closure for bridge work over Route 763 (Lincoln Road) and Mill Creek through late March 2017.

INTERSTATE 81
(NEW) Mile marker 178 to 176, southbound – Right shoulder closures for utility installation. Weekdays from March 13 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mile marker 191 to 189, southbound – Right shoulder closures for utility installation. Weekdays through June 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PRIMARY ROADS
Route 39 (Maury River Road, Goshen Pass area) – Daytime flagger controlled lane closures Monday through Saturday for slope work. Work zone is 3.2 miles east of Route 601(Millard Burke Memorial Highway) and 2.6 miles west of Route 621(Farm House Road). February 27 to March 17.
(NEW) Route 251 (Collierstown Road) – Flagger controlled single lane closure for pipe replacement March 15, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. about 0.3-mile west of Route 674 (Sack Road).
Various roads –Mobile lane closures as needed for pipe replacement, brush cutting, pothole repairs, tree removal and ditching at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SECONDARY ROADS
(NEW) Route 646 (Big Hill Road) – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement about 0.5-mile south of Route 850 (West Midland Trail), March 14, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(NEW) Route 716 (Mount Atlas Road) – Road closed March 20 through April 13 for bridge replacement over Mouse Run. Work zone is located 0.35-mile from Route 727 (Stuart Road) and 0.65-mile from Route 39 (Maury River Road). Detour will be in place.
(NEW) Route 716 (Timber Ridge Road) – Lane and shoulder closures for pipe replacement March 14 and 15, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. about 0.5-mile from Route 785 (Sam Houston Way).
(NEW) Route 728 (Poor House Road) – Lane and shoulder closures for pipe replacement March 15 and 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. about 0.2-mile north of Route 645 (Valley Pike).
Various roads – Mobile lane closures as needed for pipe replacement, brush cutting, pothole repairs, tree removal, ditching and grading at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIGHLAND COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS
Various roads –Mobile lane closures as needed for sweeping and brush cutting at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 654 (Doe Hill Road) near McDowell – Weekday flagger controlled traffic for bridge work over tributary of Bull Pasture River. Drivers will use temporary bridge. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 21 to March 24.
Various roads – Mobile lane closures as needed for sweeping and brush cutting at various locations. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AUGUSTA COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64
(NEW) Mile marker 87 to 100, eastbound and westbound – Mobile, alternating lane closures for bridge sweeping. 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. March 13 to March 15.

INTERSTATE 81
(NEW) Mile marker 209 to 237, northbound and southbound – Mobile, alternating lane closures for bridge sweeping from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. March 13 to March 15.
(NEW) Mile marker 212 to 211, southbound – Nighttime, right lane and shoulder closures for materials cleanup. 8 p.m. March 16 to 7 a.m. March 17.

PRIMARY ROADS
Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Mobile lane closures as needed for utility work from Route 781 (Bald Rock Road) to Verona Elementary School. March 6 to March 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) – Mobile lane closures as needed for utility work from Route 620 (Spotswood Road) to Route 666 (Lofton Road). March 6 to March 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 42 (Scenic Highway) – Alternating lane and shoulder closures as needed for utility work from Route 728 (Stover Shop Road) to Route 613 (Spring Hill Road). March 6 to March 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(NEW) Route 42 – Flagger controlled traffic for shoulder repairs at Rockingham County Line. March 13 to 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Route 42 (Little Calf Pasture Highway) – Mobile lane closures as needed for utility work from Route 688 (Old Parkersburg Turnpike) to Route 811 (Augusta Springs Road). March 6 to March 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 250 (Churchville Avenue) – Traffic shift to temporary bridge over Whiskey Creek. Work zone speed limit is 35 miles an hour. Work zone just east of Route 722 (Vinegar Hill Road). Estimated completion June 2017.
(NEW) Route 254 (Parkersburg Turnpike) – Flagger controlled work zone for shoulder repairs from Route 833 (Trinity Point Road) to Route 42. March 13 to 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Route 340 (Main Street, Waynesboro) – Road closed between East Avenue and Race Avenue for South River bridge replacement. All businesses and residences have traffic access. Through traffic detour is Broad Street (Route 250). Estimated completion late 2017.

SECONDARY ROADS
(UPDATE) Route 612 at Route 792 (Laurel Hill Road/Indian Mound Road, Verona) – East entrance to Riverside Drive closed for reconstruction from March 13 through March 27. Use alternate Locust Street entrance to access Riverside Drive. Flagging and intermittent lane closures Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be alert for shoulder closures and construction vehicles moving in and out of the work zone. Estimated completion May 2017.
(NEW) Route 636 (Goose Creek Road) – Mobile, intermittent lane closure for utility work from Route 608 (Tinkling Spring Road) to Medical Park Drive. March 13 to 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 701 (Howardsville Road) – Mobile, alternating lane closure as needed for utility work from Riverheads High School to Route 613 (Old Greenville Road). March 6 to 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81
No lane closures reported.

PRIMARY ROADS
Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Right shoulder closures 24 hours a day and occasional flagger-controlled lane closures as needed Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for bridge work at North River between Route 727 (Airport Road) and Route 694 (Contentment Lane). Estimated completion July 2017.
(UPDATE) Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Shoulder closures for traffic signal work at Route 981 (Rockingham Pike), March 13 to16 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SECONDARY ROADS
(NEW) Route 643 (Waterloo Mill Lane, McGaheysville area) – Road closed for bridge replacement March 20 through March 31. Work zone is 0.3-mile north west of Route 641 (White Rose Road) and 0.9-mile south of Route 644 (Mount Olivet Church Road). Follow posted detour.
(NEW) Route 726 (Mount Clinton Pike) – Road closed March 14 to 16 for slope repairs between Route 752 (Muddy Creek Road) and Route 701 (Cooks Creek Road). Work is weather permitting. Follow posted detour.
(NEW) Route 824 (Bennetts Run Road) – Road closed March 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for bridge work 2.75 miles from the dead end. There is no detour.
(UPDATE) Route 981 (Rockingham Pike) – Shoulder closures for traffic signal work at Route 33 (Spotswood Trail), March 13 to 16 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

PAGE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS
Route 340 – Bridge work at Cub Run. Intermittent flagging Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work zone speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Estimated completion September 2017.

SECONDARY ROADS
No lane closures scheduled.

SHENANDOAH COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81
No lane closures scheduled.

PRIMARY ROADS
(UPDATE) Route 11 – Cedar Creek Bridge replacement between Route 629 (Oranda Road) in Shenandoah County and Route 840 (Water Plant Road) in Warren County. During week of March 13, northbound and southbound left lanes closed 24/7 during construction of crossover lanes in the median. Traffic will be restricted to the right lane in each direction. Once crossover construction is complete, both directions of Route 11 will begin using the southbound bridge. Northbound traffic will follow the median crossovers on both ends of the work zone. Estimated project completion fall 2018.
(NEW) Various roads – Soft spot repair and brush cutting.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 663 (Artz Road) – Bridge replacement over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Road is open during construction of the new bridge, with flagger controlled lane closures 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Estimated completion May 2018.
(NEW) Various roads – Pipe replacement and grading.
Various roads – Utility tree trimming. Flagger controlled lane closures during daylight hours. Monday through Friday.

FREDERICK COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 309 to 311, northbound and southbound – Motorists should be alert for trucks entering and exiting work zone during interchange reconstruction project. Speed limit 60 mph through work zone. Estimated project completion May 2017.

PRIMARY ROADS
(NEW) Route 11 at Welltown Road – Nighttime, left lane closed for road construction project from northbound bridge underpass to Route 11 south ramp. March 13 to 15, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Estimated completion December 2017.
(UPDATE) Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike) – Alternating shoulder closures for inspection of southbound bridge from Route 37. March 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike) – Overnight lane closures between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for Route 11/661 intersection improvement project in Stephenson area just north of Winchester. Estimated completion of project December15, 2017.
Route 37 at I-81 Exit 310 (Kernstown Interchange Project), northbound and southbound – New ramps at Route 37/I-81 and Route 37/Route 11 are open. Right and left shoulders closed 24/7. Work zone speed limit 35 mph. Estimated project completion May 2017.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 661 (Welltown Road) – Overnight lane closures between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for Route 11/661 intersection improvement project in Stephenson area just north of Winchester. Estimated completion of project December15, 2017.
Various roads – Utility tree trimming. Flagger controlled lane closures during daylight hours. Monday through Friday.

CLARKE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS
No lane closures reported.

SECONDARY ROADS
Various roads – Utility tree trimming. Flagger controlled lane closures during daylight hours. Monday through Friday.

WARREN COUNTY

INTERSTATE 66
No lane closures reported.

INTERSTATE 81
No lane closures reported.

PRIMARY ROADS
(UPDATE) Route 11 – Cedar Creek Bridge replacement between Route 629 (Oranda Road) in Shenandoah County and Route 840 (Water Plant Road) in Warren County. During week of March 13, northbound and southbound left lanes closed 24/7 during construction of crossover lanes in the median. Traffic will be restricted to the right lane in each direction. Once crossover construction is complete, both directions of Route 11 will begin using the southbound bridge. Northbound traffic will follow the median crossovers on both ends of the work zone. Estimated project completion fall 2018.
Route 55 (Strasburg Road) – Intersection modification at Route 340/522 (Shenandoah Avenue/Winchester Road): Lane closures as needed Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly. Temporary traffic signal at 55/340/522 intersection. Temporary traffic switch for east and west lanes from 340/522 to .03 miles (A. S. Rhodes Elementary School) west of 340/522. Pavement markings, signs and traffic barrels will guide drivers through this area. Changes in effect through summer 2017 for construction of new travel lanes. Estimated project completion December 2017.
(NEW) Route 340 (Winchester Road) – Alternating lane closures for bridge inspection from I-66 to Country Club Road. March 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Route 340/522 (Shenandoah Avenue/Winchester Road) – South Fork bridge replacement and intersection modification at Route 55 (Strasburg Road). Brief nighttime lane closures during delivery of bridge beams through March 2017. Lane closures as needed Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly. Lane shift at 17th street and temporary traffic signal at 340/522/55 intersection. 18th street is open to traffic, with left turn restrictions until summer 2017. Estimated project completion December 2017.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 624 (Morgan Ford Road) – Road closed for bridge replacement over the Shenandoah River. Work zone from Route 643 (Howellsville Road) to Route 661 (Fairground Road). Detours: Drivers south of the bridge will turn right on Route 643 (Howellsville Road), which changes to Route 603 and then to Route 638 in Clarke County. Drivers will then turn left on Route 17/50 (John Mosby Highway) and left on Route 624 (Red Gate Road/Milldale Road) to reach the end of the detour. Drivers north of the bridge will follow Route 624 (Milldale Road/Red Gate Road) north and turn right on Route 17/50 (John Mosby Highway) in Clarke County. Drivers will then turn right on Route 638 (Howellsville Road), which changes to Route 603 and then Route 643, to reach the end of the detour. Estimated project completion June 2018.
(NEW) Various roads – Grading and pipe cleaning.
Various roads – Utility tree trimming. Flagger controlled lane closures during daylight hours. Monday through Friday.

Vegetation management may take place district wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 and at 511Virginia.org. For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dial 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORK
CULPEPER DISTRICT: March 13-17, 2017

CULPEPER — The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the upcoming week. Traffic movements may be restricted and speed limits reduced in work zones. (NEW) or (UPDATE) indicate revisions since last week’s report.

Culpeper District traffic information is also available on Twitter at @VaDOTCulp and on VDOT’s website at www.virginiadot.org/travel/travel_alerts/culpeper/default.asp.
image003.jpg

Albemarle County, City of Charlottesville

For more information about these projects and related traffic impacts, visit www.route29solutions.org or contact Lou Hatter, Communications Manager, 540-717-2890, lou.hatter@vdot.virginia.gov.

(UPDATE) Route 29 widening – South Hollymead Drive will be closed at its intersection with Route 29 overnight Monday and Tuesday for installation of storm drains across the intersection. Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., a signed detour will direct traffic to North Hollymead Drive.
Travel lanes are narrowed and shoulders are closed between Route 643 (Polo Grounds Road) and Route 1719 (Towncenter Drive) and the speed limit is reduced to 40 mph within the work zone. Expect intermittent single lane closures Monday through Friday between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Motorists should remain alert and use caution through the work zone.

Berkmar Drive Extended – New traffic pattern at the intersection of Berkmar Drive and Hilton Heights Road. The entrance to Sams Club from Berkmar Drive is closed; traffic should use the entrance off Hilton Heights Road across from Walmart. Northbound Berkmar Drive is reduced to one lane approaching the intersection with a stop sign at the intersection.

Expect brief, intermittent traffic restrictions on Rio Mills Road between Route 29 and Millers Cottage Lane during delivery of materials; traffic controlled by flaggers. On Towncenter Drive in the vicinity of the roundabout, motorists should be alert for dump trucks and other equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

Hillsdale Drive Extended – Flagging operations on Greenbrier Drive between Route 29 and Hillsdale Drive, Monday through Friday. One-lane traffic controlled by flaggers; brief delays are likely. Pedestrians should be alert for construction equipment moving in and out of the work zone.

A new section of Hillsdale Drive Extension opened Feb. 24. Existing Hillsdale Drive at Hydraulic Road will now connect to India Road.

Line Drive is closed to traffic between India Road and Zan Road for approximately one month. Motorists advised to follow posted detour. Motorists advised to follow posted detour.

For project updates, visit http://hillsdaledrive.org.

Albemarle County

(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Bridge deck repairs at mile marker 119. Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, expect alternating lane closures for milling of shoulders and bridge deck.

Interstate 64 – Eastbound drain repairs between mile markers 129 and 131. Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., right lane closed.

Route 20 (Scottsville Road) – Mobile tree trimming operations in both directions between Route 708 (Red Hill Road) and Route 742 (Avon Street Extended). Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., traffic reduced to one lane controlled by flagging.

(UPDATE) Route 22 (Louisa Road) – Pothole patching operations in both directions between Route 648 (Clarks Tract) and Route 231 (Gordonsville Road). Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic reduced to one lane controlled by flagging.

(UPDATE) Route 231 (Gordonsville Road) – Pothole patching operations in both directions between Route 22 (Louisa Road) and Orange County line. Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic reduced to one lane controlled by flagging.

Route 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) – Installation of temporary signal at Route 151 (Critzers Shop Road). Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., expect intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging. Stay alert for workers and equipment near the roadway.

Route 795 (Blenheim Road) – Rehabilitating bridge over Hardware River. Road closed to traffic. Follow detour. Anticipated completion Oct. 30.

(NEW) Route 810 (Browns Gap Turnpike Road) – Slope work and shoulder repairs near Route 668 (Walnut Level Road). Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., expect intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging.

(NEW) Route 810 (Browns Gap Turnpike Road) – Rehabilitating bridge over Halls Creek. Beginning Monday, road closed to traffic near Chap Place Lane. Use alternate route. Anticipated completion April 14.

Culpeper County

(UPDATE) Route 3 (Germanna Highway) – Roadway widening to four lanes. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., stay alert for intermittent lane closures from 0.9 mile west of Route 663 (Stevensburg Road) to Route 669 (Carrico Mills Road). Speed limit reduced to 45 mph in the work zone. Motorists should be alert for workers near the travel lanes and for trucks entering and exiting the highway. Anticipated completion in early fall.

Route 29 (James Madison Highway) – Construction of new interchange at Route 666 (Braggs Corner Road). Use caution in area as traffic adjusts to new traffic pattern. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., intermittent lane closures will occur on Route 29 and Route 666. Speed limit reduced to 35 mph on Route 666 and to 50 mph on Route 29 through the work zone. Anticipated completion Aug. 18.

Route 29 Business (Brandy Road) – Traffic detection technology repairs between Route 665 (Inlet Road) and Route 666 (Braggs Corner Road). Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., expect lane closures controlled by flagging.

Route 229 (North Main Street) – Roadway widening to four lanes. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., occasional lane closures with flagging will occur through the work zone. Stay alert for workers near the travel lanes and for trucks entering and exiting the highway. Anticipated completion Aug. 2.

Old Rixeyville Road – Road closed between Route 229 and Grandview Avenue for intersection reconstruction as part of Route 229 widening. Use Route 229 to Colonel Jameson Boulevard as detour. Anticipated completion mid-March.

Fauquier County

(UPDATE) Interstate 66 – Eastbound shoulder repairs are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the locations listed below. Use caution approaching work zone and stay alert for workers near the road way.
· Tuesday: mile markers 23 to 25
· Wednesday and Thursday: mile markers 25 to 27

(NEW) Route 15/17/29 (Lee Highway) – Shoulder debris removal in both directions from Route 605 (Dumfries Road) to Route 643 (Meetze Road). Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., stay alert for workers near the roadway.

(NEW) Route 17 business (East Shirley Avenue) – Mobile, shoulder repairs southbound from Alwington Boulevard to Route 15/17/29 (Eastern Bypass) Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Intermittent lane closures possible.

(NEW) Route 29 (James Madison Highway) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., intermittent northbound lane closures between Route 1150 (Avenel Drive) and Route 28 (Catlett Road).

Route 245 (Old Tavern Road) – Rehabilitating bridge over Broad Run. A temporary traffic signal is in place to control two-way traffic through the work zone. Motorists should obey traffic controls and use caution traveling through the work zone. Anticipated completion April 28.

(UPDATE) Route 661 (Schoolhouse Road) – Road and intersection improvement project. Road closed from just beyond Cedar Lee Middle School parking lot to 300 feet west. Access to all school, church and private entrances will be maintained. Obey traffic controls. Anticipated completion Aug. 11.

Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) – Traffic detection technology repairs between Route 691 (Old Waterloo Road) and Route 211 (Lee Highway). Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., traffic reduced to one lane controlled by flagging.

Fluvanna County

Route 15 (James Madison Highway) – Construction of roundabout at Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway). Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., motorists can expect intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging. Anticipated completion Aug. 23.

(UPDATE) Route 629 (Deep Creek Road) – Rehabilitating bridge over Phils Creek. Road closed to traffic. Use alternate routes. Anticipated completion March 24.

Greene County

Route 607 (Matthew Mill Road) – Intersection improvements at Route 29 (James Madison Highway). Roadway reduced to two lanes. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., expect intermittent lane closures. Stay alert for workers near the roadway. Anticipated completion Sept. 6.

Louisa County

Interstate 64 – Traffic detection technology installation near mile marker 138. One eastbound lane closed Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Use caution approaching the work zone.

Madison County

Route 230 (Wolftown-Hood Road) – Rehabilitating the bridge over the Conway River. A temporary traffic signal is in place to control two-way traffic through the work zone. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., expect lane closures in both directions between the Greene County line and Route 666 (Pea Ridge Road). Motorists should obey traffic controls, use caution traveling through the work zone and expect minor delays. Anticipated completion Nov. 20.

Orange County

(NEW) Route 15 (Germanna Highway) – Shoulder repairs from Cedar Hill Road to Route 1030 (Gentry Drive). Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., right lane closed. Use caution in work zone.

Road conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the 511 Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on Facebook and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp.

Spring Forward This Weekend Saturday Night Before Bed : Daylight Saving Time Begins 2AM Sunday

0
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM this Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

With the warmer temps arriving thoughts are turning to longer days. Just in time! Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday – March 12th at 2AM. But for those of us that party until that hour, your best bet is to move your clock ahead one hour before turning in on Saturday night. Then you’re all taken care of until Sunday – Nov 5, 2017 when we go back to standard time.

Until then, enjoy those longer and warmer days to come!

Albemarle : Afton – TEMPORARY SIGNAL BEING INSTALLED AT ROUTE 250/151

3
©2017 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Tommy Stafford : In this file photo a semi truck makes a right hand turn from Route 250 onto Route 151 just north of the Nelson County line.
©2017 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Tommy Stafford : In this file photo a semi truck makes a right hand turn from Route 250 onto Route 151 just north of the Nelson County line.

Afton
Albemarle County, Virginia

News release via VDOT Culpeper Division:

To improve safety, the Virginia Department of Transportation is installing a temporary signal at the intersection of Route 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) and Route 151 (Critzers Shop Road) in Afton, near the Nelson County line.

An advance warning flasher on Route 250 eastbound, which has a steep downgrade, will accompany the signal to alert motorists when the signal ahead is yellow or red.

Beginning this week through late April, motorists should stay alert for intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging.

A more extensive project is in development to convert the intersection to a roundabout. The safety improvement project will address a history of turning-related crashes at the high-volume intersection. Route 250 carries 6,700 vehicles per day and Route 151 carries 10,000 with about seven percent truck traffic daily on both routes. Pending funding approval, preliminary engineering on the project will begin in 2018.

Ernie Reed Announces Candidacy for Nelson County BOS In Central District

0

IMG_8364

Nelson County, Virginia

Via press release from Ernie Reed

Ernie Reed will announce his candidacy for Nelson County Board of Supervisors, Central District, on Friday, March 10, at 12 noon at the Nelson County Courthouse in Lovingston,

Ernie, who will be running as a Democrat, is a retired high school school administrator who is a life-long education, arts and conservation community advocate

“I hope to be able to continue the work that Connie Brennan has done in such an outstanding way over the years I have known her,” said Ernie. “Her absence on the Board of Supervisors would create a void that I would hope to fill with the same energy and vision she has given to Nelson County.”

After building his home in Faber in the early 80’s, and working at Wintergreen Resort and actively volunteering in the Nelson County community, he and his family moved to Charlottesville and founded the Living Education Center for Ecology and the Arts, an alternative private non-profit high school. After the close of his school, Ernie helped organize Friends of Nelson and moved back to his Faber home “for the long-haul.”

“It is with delight and confidence that I look forward to handing the reins of responsibility to Ernie for the business of helping Nelson County continue to move forward, “ said Connie Brennan, current Central District Supervisor. “His knowledge and experience in many fields, from business to the environment, will help keep the Commonwealth’s mandates of protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents foremost in his deliberations. His energy and dedication will bring forward new ideas for the future.”

Ernie’s campaign, like his life, will focus on education, economics and the environment. “Having run small businesses, both for profit and not, I understand the importance of work that sustains the community over the long-term, “Ernie said.

“I understand the frustration of people who feel their voices are not being heard,” Ernie said. “Issues may have many sides but ultimately we are one community.”

Shipman : Nelson County Sheriff Asking For Help In Locating Missing 15 Year Old (Located Safe)

0
Photo vis NCSD : Logan Matthew Johnson was last seen at his home off James River Road in the Shipman area of Nelson County around 4:00PM EST on March 7, 2017.
Photo vis NCSD : Logan Matthew Johnson was last seen at his home off James River Road in the Shipman area of Nelson County around 4:00PM EST on March 7, 2017.

Shipman
Nelson County, Virginia

Updated: 8:20 AM 3.8.17
According to NCSD School Resources Officer Deputy Barnett Johnson has been located and is safe.

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office needs your help in locating a missing juvenile. The juvenile is a 15 year old white male identified as Logan Matthew Johnson. He was last seen at his home off James River Road in the Shipman area of Nelson County around 4:00PM EST on March 7, 2017.

He was last seen wearing a black Under Armor jacket and dark colored pants. Anyone with information about this case or who may know the whereabouts of Logan Johnson area asked to call the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office.

If you have any information the sheriff asks you call his department: 434-263-7050

We have a request into the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office for additional details.

Nelson : Massies Mill : Beautiful Shot Of Bald Eagles By BRL Reader

0
Check out this great shot of an eagle over its nest in Massies Mill sent along by BRL reader Mary Craig! - Monday : March 6, 2017
Check out this great shot of an eagle over its nest in Massies Mill sent along by BRL reader Mary Craig! – Monday : March 6, 2017

Massies Mill
Nelson County, Virginia

Thankfully it’s not as rare a sight now as it used to be. Bald Eagles have made an impressive comeback across the U.S. in the last several years. They still leave people in awe whenever one is spotted. Thanks to the quick lens of BRL reader Mary Craig she grabbed the shot above of a bald eagle dropping its nest in Massies Mill near Grace Episcopal Church.

Photo by Mary Craig : IN this shot you can actually see two eagles in the nest - Monday - March 6, 2017.
Photo by Mary Craig : In this shot you can actually see two eagles in the nest – Monday – March 6, 2017.

Very neat and thanks for sharing the photos with us Mary!

Amherst Co Museum, Second Stage & Elkwood Host Dr. Horace Rice : Presentation On Native Americans

0

amherst

Amherst

On Sunday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Horace Rice will talk on his book Patriot Pinn’s Pearl, a historical fiction account that chronicles the lives of the Cherokee and Wiccocomico Native Americans. His focus will be the role of Patriot Native Americans during the Revolutionary War.

Dr. Rice will also provide information about the UCITOV — The United Cherokee Indian Tribe of Virginia. Pearl is a “symbol of suffering. Just as an oyster suffers and forms a pearl, the UCITOV people have suffered (invasion, dispersion, forced indentured servitude, Indian slavery, and paper genocide.”

The program will be held at Second Stage, 194 2nd Street, at the corner of 2nd and Washington streets and is open to the public with no admission fee. Refreshments will follow the program. Dr. Rice will be available to autograph his book.

Dr. Rice is himself of Cherokee descent, though not from the Buffalo Ridge area. He received his Masters and Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia and worked at area schools including Bedford County and Monelison Jr. High in Amherst. He is the author of The Buffalo Ridge Cherokee: A Remnant of a Great Nation Divided, a work that explores the history of the Cherokee living in the Stapleton area of Amherst County. Dr. Rice argues that they were occupying that land before the Revolutionary War and through the years experienced a type of “paper genocide” that kept this remnant of the Cherokee nation an obscure and forgotten part of Native American culture. Dr. Rice has served as a historical advisor for the United Cherokee Indian Tribe of Virginia since 1992.

The Program is made possible by The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust.

Second Stage is a not-for-profit organization that has been converting a historic church into a Center for Creativity and Community since 2015. Programs and performances are currently being planned for the 2017 season. For more information, call 434-94-0997 or visit their website at secondstageamherst.org.

Elkwood, an Amherst Salon, is owned and operated by Wayne Ferguson and Robert Reeves, history and art enthusiasts who support cultural activities in Amherst County.

Amherst County Museum and Historical Society is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to discover, collect and preserve objects related to the history and genealogy of Amherst County. The society exhibits, interprets and offers its collections to provide educational experiences for people of all ages.

For additional information on the program, contact Octavia Starbuck, Director, Amherst County Museum and Historical Society at 434-946-9068 or by the website email: staff@amherstcountymuseum.org.

VDOT Projects Underway – Lynchburg District

0

VDOT_LogoLYNCHBURG

Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is scheduled, weather permitting. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org.

Amherst County:
Route 130 over Pedlar River- Bridge work; road closed. Detour to new construction/existing Rt. 635. Messages boards, signs and barriers in use. Est. comp. 11/27/17.
Route 501/130 (Hunting Club Rd-existing bridge) – Two-way traffic on new bridge. Construction continues; temporary lane closures possible. Completion 4/21/17.
Route 640 over Pedlar River (Rt. 635-607) – Road closed for superstructure replacement from Feb. 6-March 10, weather permitting. Detour via routes 607, 610 and 635.

Appomattox County:
Route 660 over North Creek – Road closed Jan. 3 – June 15 for bridge superstructure replacement. Detour via 26, 659, and 613.

Buckingham County:
Route 20 over Slate River – Speed reduced during bridge replacement. Est. comp. – 12/2017.
Route 60 (Andersonville AHQ) – Crew will repair asphalt.
Andersonville AHQ- Crew will repair shoulders.
Various – Crews will cut brush, work surfaces and respond to customer concerns.

Campbell County:
Routes 29 & 460 – Crews will work on ramp lights.
Route 601 over Entry Creek (756-645) – Road will be closure from April 10-May 19 for culvert replacement. Detour via 756 and 600.

Charlotte County:
Route 40 over Louse Creek – Use caution during bridge project. Est. completion July 2017.
Routes 47 & 360 – Signal work will result in outage of intersection warning flashers and STOP sign flashing beacons. Message boards will alert motorists during these operations.
Craftons Gate AHQ – Crew will install mainline/driveway pipe and boom ax.
Phenix AHQ – Crew will trim trees.
Various – Crews will boom ax, work shoulders and surfaces and respond to customer requests.

Cumberland County:
Route 600 over Green Creek (Rt 653-657) – Road closed from 3/6-6/9 for structure replacement. Detour via 653, 638, 45 and 657.
Various – Crews will cut brush, work ditches, shoulders and surfaces and respond to customer requests.

Halifax County:
Routes 360 @ 47 & 501 @ 658 – Crews will address sign work orders over several weeks.
Route 501, Cluster Springs AHQ – Crew will chip brush.
Route 667 over Bye Creek ( Rt. 753-57) – Road closed for substructure repairs from Feb. 27 – Mar. 17, weather permitting. Detour via routes 753 and 57.
Route 707 over Coleman Creek (Rt. 718-658) – Road will be closed from Feb. 13 – June 2 for structure replacement. Detour via routes 718 and 658.
Bethel and Cluster Springs AHQs – Crews will work surfaces.
Bethel AHQ– Crew will boom ax.
Various –Crews will work shoulders and respond to customer requests.

Lynchburg:
Greenview Drive widening- Changes in traffic pattern during project. Completion- July 2017.
Route 29/460 Corridor eastbound/westbound from Concord Turnpike to Candlers Mtn Rd: Speed reduced to 45 mph for construction throughout the corridor.
Route 29/460 (501-29)– Construction traffic entering/exiting roadway. Weather permitting, lane closures may be in place from 9 pm, Friday to 6 am, Sunday, excluding holiday weekends until further notice. Use caution. Est. comp. 11/16/17. Speed reduced to 45 mph.
Route 29/460 (Odd Fellows Rd Int. and Odd Fellows Rd.)– Construction traffic entering/exiting roadway. Temporary lane closures on 460 & Odd Fellows likely; Odd Fellows & Mayflower may be closed during roundabout construction. Est. comp. 8/3/18. Speed reduced to 45 mph.
Route 460, area of LU campus – LU/English Const. bridge project. Crews plan to set girders over Rt 460 during the week of March 14-17. Nightly lane closures east- and westbound, as well as traffic stoppages of up to 15 minutes will take place from 7 pm to 6 am.

Nelson County:
Route 151 & 635 , Route 6 & 638 int. – Intersections improvements. Traffic control devices and flaggers will direct traffic. Expect delays. Estimated completion October 16, 2017.

Pittsylvania County:
Route 29 S over Norfolk-Southern RR –Bridge replacement. Rt. 29/803 connection temporarily relocated. Southbound traffic detoured to northbound lane. Girders will be set beginning Feb. 27. This work will require “slow roll” traffic control for approximately 20 minutes per beam. Est. comp. 6/20/17.
Route 40, Gretna AHQ – Crew will install mainline pipe for turning lane at hospital.
Route 638 over Reed Creek – Closed from 8 am to 5 pm on March 13015 for geology work. Detour via 640, 685, 646, 642 & 634.
Route 662 over Sandy Creek – Closed from 8 am to 5 pm on March 16, 17 & 20 for geology work. Detour via 701 and 640.
Route 682 over Shokoe Creek( 686-1094) – Road closed April 3-May 12 for culvert replacement. Detour via 686 to 640.
Route 761 (600-639) – Road closed for bridge replacement. Detour via routes 600, 602 and 601. Completion – 12/4/17.
Route 903 over Whitethorn Creek (Rt. 995-676) – Road closed March 6-31 for bridge superstructure replacement. Detour US 29.
Brosville AHQ – Crew will work ditches and repair shoulders.
Gretna AHQ – Crew will apply stone around mailboxes.
Gretna, Kentuck and Rondo AHQs – Crews will trim trees.
Various –Crews will work surfaces, boom ax and respond to customers.

Prince Edward County:
Route 360 – Travel lane may be restricted during shoulder work.
Various – Crews will work surfaces, cut brush, clean roadsides and ditches, and respond to customer requests.

District-wide activities:
Guardrail maintenance – Crews will do guardrail maintenance.
Latex Microsurfacing – Crews will perform latex microsurfacing at various locations.
Pavement messaging – Crews will work at various locations.
Pipe rehabilitation – Crews will work on pipes at various locations.

- Advertisement -