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Nellysford : Fire Destroys Event Center At Three Notch’d Brewing

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Nellysford : Fire Destroys Event Center At Three Notch’d Brewing

 

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford 

Updated 11:00 AM with Wintergreen Fire info. 

An early morning fire at Three Notch’d Brewing in Nellysford appears to have totally destroyed a special events center next to the main restaurant and brewery.

©2024 BlueRidgeLife.com A wider view of the destroyed event buildings at Three Notch’d Brewing in Nellysford, Virginia. Saturday – November 16, 2024

“A person driving by on Route 151 around 2:30 this morning saw the blaze and called it in. Units from all over the area responded since there’s no fire hydrant on site, we used water from their pumpers,” Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets told me mid morning Saturday. Chief Sheets said the damage was confined to the event center buildings and the main restaurant / brewery only has a couple of windows damaged from the heat. No cause is known for the fire as of this morning. No one was injured.

We don’t have anymore details at this point, but have inquiries in to Three Notch’d management.

More as we know.

Nellysford : Skating Into Heaven : R.I.P. David Curly

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Nellysford : Skating Into Heaven : R.I.P. David Curly

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

I first met David Curly just after we permanently moved to Nelson County way back in early 2004. You’d see David (Curly to the locals) on his signature rollerblades scooting across the parking lot at Wintergreen Hardware or over at Valleymont Grocery. Until a year or so ago Curly lived behind Wintergreen Hardware. He’d been there for years and years. The new owner told Curly he had to leave after it sold. That’s when he moved into a space by the old Valleymont nearby.

Until this very week Curly could be seen sitting under the awning next to the barber shop near Blue Ridge Pig. He’d have his morning coffee there and read, or play chess with a friend. You’ve see him walking 151 headed to IGA for groceries. To say David Curly was an institution, a legend in Nellysford, would be a big understatement. He was even a cover story back in our charter publication Nelson County Life, Issue 74 in May 2011.

Our May 2011 Cover story called Camp David. We did a profile story on David Curly. Click on the image above to read that story.

To my disbelief I got a message late Thursday morning that Curly was no more. He was gone. He’d passed away peacefully while sleeping in his room just steps from where he’d lived months before. “A buddy of his that plays chess with him would keep a check on Curly. He’d become concerned that he couldn’t reach him by phone when he called Thursday morning. He drove over here and that’s when we found he’d passed away in his sleep,” Lydia Lester at the barber shop told me Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Basic Necessities archives. Judy Nelson (L) co-founder of Basic Necessities) and David Curly on the parking lot near the restaurant and the old hardware store in Nellysford back in the late 1990s.

Everyone knew Curly. Visitors coming to stay for a weekend. Locals, and more. He’d often be seen in the hardware store reading or helping a customer find something needed. Often he’d carry whatever they bought out to the car. He was an absolute gentleman.

So how did David Curly end up in Nelson County?

“One weekend a friend of mine said, ‘Let’s go to the mountains’,” and it was as simple as that. “He had a car and I didn’t,” David said with a big smile. Little did he know this backpacking trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains wouldn’t be coming to an end anytime soon. That’s what Curley told our Marcy Gates back in 2011 for the story. She and photographer Hayley Osborne finally convinced him to let us do a story after years of my, and ultimately them asking.

Photo By Hayley Osborne : Curly playing with one of his three dogs at the time when he lived behind the hardware store in Nellysford. May 2011.

I last saw Curly just a few days ago. We passed one another heading into the IGA. We always say hi to each other and sometimes chat for a few minutes before moving on.

Like many others I have written about here over the years, David Curly was part of the local color, the backdrop that makes Nellysford and Nelson what it is.

It’s gonna be very strange heading in to get my haircut or stopping at Basic Necessities for lunch and not seeing Curly around anymore. For as long as I can remember and long before that, he was just always there.

Thank you Curly for making our days here in Nelson more interesting and giving us that feeling of home.

We miss you already.

See you on the other side.

Nelson / Greenfield : Virginia State Police Investigating 3 Car Crash From Weekend

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Nelson / Greenfield : Virginia State Police Investigating 3 Car Crash From Weekend

Verbatim from Virginia State Police:

“Virginia State Police is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday (Nov. 9, 2024) at 12:20 p.m. at the intersection of Route 151 and Rockfish School Lane in Nelson County.

A 2012 Chevrolet Silverado was heading southbound on Route 151, when it was unable to avoid a 2010 Ford Expedition making a left turn onto Rockfish School Lane from Route 151.
The Silverado struck the rear passenger side of the Expedition which in turn then struck a 2021 Ford Bronco which was stopped at the stop sign on Rockfish School Lane.
The driver of the Expedition, Kathleen E. Caudill, 66, of Nellysford, Va., was charged with failure to yield the right of way.

A passenger in the Bronco suffered minor injuries.

Nobody else in the crash was injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Interim Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”

Portions Of GW National Forest Closed Due To Fire Conditions (UPDATED 11.12.24)

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Portions Of GW National Forest Closed Due To Fire Conditions (UPDATED 11.12.24)

From U.S. Forest Service / GW National Forest:

Due to current fire conditions on the Lee Ranger District in the northern region of the George Washington National Forest, there is a temporary closure in place to the following areas:

– Elizabeth Furnace Day Use Area
– Buzzard Rock Trailhead Parking lot
– Picket Springs Parking lot
– Trail No. 404: Buzzard Rock
– Trail No. 406: Shawl Gap
– Trail No. 403: Sherman Gap
– Trail No. 405.1: Tuscarora Veach Gap
– Trail No. 408: Massanutten Mountain (From Elizabeth Furnace to Veach Gap)
– Trail No. 463: Botts Trail
– Trail No. 403: Sherman Gap
– Trail No. 483: Pig Iron
– Trail No. 483A: Charcoal Trail
– Trail No. 484: Veach Gap

We ask the public to avoid areas with active fire and smoke for your safety, and to give fire personnel room to address the situation.

Lovingston : Largest Halloween Crowd In Years For Annual Event

Tommy
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Lovingston : Largest Halloween Crowd In Years For Annual Event

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

We’ve been to lots of the annual Halloween events in Lovingston during the past 20 years, they are always the absolute best. Over the last several years we noticed a slight decrease in the crowds. Covid, no doubt had an effect. But this year the crowds were back and then some, along with excellent weather!!!

Down below are some random shots from the 2024 event. Click on any photo to enlarge.

More on past Halloween celebrations in Lovingston by clicking here.

Fall Back This Weekend : Daylight Saving Time Ends 2 AM Sunday (Nov 3, 2024)

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Fall Back This Weekend : Daylight Saving Time Ends 2 AM Sunday (Nov 3, 2024)

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

The time has, sadly, come once again. That is if you like those carefree long summer days! I sure do!! Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. It officially ends at 2AM Sunday morning (November 3, 2024). That’s when we return to eastern standard time in this time zone. But, for those of us that turn in at a reasonable hour, it’s best to set your clock back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.

Here’s to that perceived extra hour of sleep we lost last spring!

The time doesn’t change again until March 9, 2025 when we will once again spring forward.

VDOT : Weekly Roadwork and Traffic Updates

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VDOT : Weekly Roadwork and Traffic Updates

 

LYNCHBURG DISTRICT

TRAFFIC ALERT

October 28–November 3, 2024

LYNCHBURG, Va. – 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

www.511Virginia.org.

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:

Route 29 & Route 151 (Patrick Henry Hwy.) – Construction of a Restricted Crossing U-Turn,

storm drainage, advanced warning flashers, traffic lighting. The Route 608

(Toytown Rd.) crossover is open to traffic. The Route 29/151 crossover is closed to traffic

for Phase Three of the project. Use caution and watch for changes in the traffic pattern

during construction. Estimated project completion November 2024.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Appomattox County:

Route 131 (Old Courthouse Rd.) from Route 460 BUS (Confederate Blvd.) to Route 460

Bypass (Richmond Highway) – Route 131 Reconstruction. Lane closures expected. Use

caution. Estimated completion January, 2025.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Buckingham County:

Route 15 (N James Madison Highway) from Dillwyn Town limits to Route 622 (Trents Mill

Rd.) – Safety improvements. Shoulder widening, rumble strips, and guardrail

replacement. Lane closures expected. Use caution. Estimated completion December 2024

Please note district-wide activities above.Campbell County:

Route 658 (Toll Gate Road) – Culvert replacement. Route 658 (Toll Gate Road) will be

temporarily closed to through traffic from Route 646 (Spring Mill Road) to Route 656 (Plum

Branch Road.) A detour with signs will be established. This closure will begin on September

30. Estimated reopening November 22. (weather permitting.)

Please note district-wide activities above.

Charlotte County:

Route 15 (Farmville Highway) at Route 15/360 BUS (Four Locust Highway) – Roundabout

project. Change in traffic pattern now in place allowing two-way movement along Route

15/360 BUS (Four Locust Highway) and a stop condition for Route 15 (Farmville Highway)

southbound traffic. The on-ramp from Route 15 to the Route 15/360 (Kings Highway) and the

off-ramp from Route 15/360 (Kings Highway) to Route 15 are now open. Lane closures are

expected with traffic running on stone. Use caution. Estimated overall project completion

November 2024.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Cumberland County:

Please note district-wide activities above.

Halifax County:

Route 615 (Dudley Road) – Bridge Replacement. Closed to through traffic. Detour is in place.

Estimated completion January 2025.

Route 501 (L P Bailey Memorial Highway) at Route 628 (Chestnut Road) – Intersection

improvement project. Shoulder and lane closures expected. Use caution. Estimated overall

project completion December 2024.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Lynchburg:

Please note district-wide activities above.

Nelson County:

Route 29, between Route 6 (River Rd.) and Route 718 (Mountain Cove Rd.) – Shoulder

widening, rumble strip installation, guardrail installation. Estimated completion January 2025.

Route 653 (Wilson Road) – Bridge Replacement. The bridge over the Norfolk Southern

Railroad will be closed beginning September 19, 2024. Estimated reopening November

2025.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Pittsylvania County:

Route 751 (Grassland Drive) – Emergency Culvert Repair. A detour with signage is in place,

utilizing Route 40. Expected completion December 2, 2024, weather permitting.

Route 311 (Berry Hill Connector Road) – New Construction. Changes in traffic patterns will

be in place connected to paving operations to tie in to the new connector road. Estimated

Substantial Completion November 2024.

Please note district-wide activities above.

Prince Edward County:

Route 460 Eastbound (Prince Edward Hwy.) over Bush River – Bridge repairs. Traffic will be

reduced to one lane with a 12-foot-6-inch width restriction in place. Use caution. Estimated

completion November 22, 2024.

Please note district-wide activities above.

 

SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORK

CULPEPER DISTRICT: Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 2024

CULPEPER — The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the next week. Traffic movements may be restricted, and speed limits may be 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 http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/travel_alerts/culpeper/default.asp.

Albemarle County 

(NEW) Soil borings – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas.

  • Route 631 (Rio Road East), mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 650 (Gasoline Alley) and Route 768 (Pen Park Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Route 824 (Patterson Mill Lane), alternating lane closures between U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike and Route 688 (Midway Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(NEW) Other construction – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas:

  • Interstate 64, right shoulder closures between mile marker 106 and mile marker 107 in the westbound lanes, Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Interstate 64, right shoulder closures between mile marker 104 and mile marker 105 in the westbound lanes, Tuesday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Interstate 64, right shoulder and left lane closed between mile marker 102 and mile marker 103 in the eastbound lanes, Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(UPDATE) Ditch cleaning – Expect lane and shoulder closures, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the following areas:

  • Interstate 64, alternating lane closures between mile marker 115 and mile marker 117 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily through Friday.
  • Interstate 64, right shoulder closures between mile marker 107 and mile marker 125 in the eastbound lanes, daily.
  • Interstate 63, right shoulder closures between mile marker 113 and mile markers 114 in the westbound lanes, Tuesday and Wednesday.

(NEW) Roadway sweeping – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures, 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 250 (Ivy Road), between U.S. 29 (Bypass) and Ednam Drive in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday.
  • Route 631 (5th Street Southwest), between Route 875 (Sunset Avenue Extended) and the Charlottesville city line in the northbound and southbound lanes, Thursday and Friday.

Signal installations – Expect both shoulders closed, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the following areas:

  • U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail), at Route 866 (Greenbrier Drive) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily.
  • Route 20 (Scottsville Road), at Route 712 (Coles Rolling Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily.

Equipment installation – Expect intermittent lane and shoulder closures, nightly, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. in the following areas:

  • Interstate 64, between mile marker 105 and mile marker 106 in the eastbound lanes.
  • Interstate 64 between mile marker 104 and mile marker 107 in the westbound lanes.

Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas:

  • U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike), alternating lane closures between Route 240 (Crozet Avenue) and Route 797 (Hillsboro Lane) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Route 240 (Crozet Avenue), alternating lane closures between Route 691 (Jarmans Gap Road) and Route 240 (Three Notch’d Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Route 240 (Three Notch’d Road), alternating lane closures between Route 240 (Crozet Avenue) and U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Route 751 (Brownsville Road), both shoulders closed between Route 240 (Crozet Avenue) and U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Route 797 (Hillsboro Lane), right shoulder closures between U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) and Route 684 (Half Mile Branch Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Mowing. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 100 aand mile marker 132 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily and nightly, 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.

(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Tree removals. Expect left lane and left shoulder closures between mile marker 108 and mile marker 109 in the westbound lanes, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon.

U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) – Roadway improvements. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 3416 (Angus Road) and Seminole Court in the northbound and southbound lanes, nightly, Monday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., 10 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, 9 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.

Route 20 (Scottsville Road) – Bridge superstructure repairs/replacement. Expect temporary traffic signal with a traffic pattern shift at Route 708 (Red Hill Road). Route 708 is narrowed to one lane for construction on the bridge over the North Fork Hardware River. Please expect delays during high volume times of the day. Project completion date, Dec. 4, 2024.

(NEW) Route 743 (Advance Mills Road) – Bridge inspection. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers between Route 605 (Durrett Ridge Road) and Route 1564 (Summer Lane) in the northbound lanes, Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Route 797 (Hillsboro Lane) – Rehabilitation project. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 684 (Half Mile Branch Road) and U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

City of Charlottesville

(NEW) Soil borings – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures, Monday through Friday in the following areas:

  • U.S. 250 (Bypass), at Route 3412 (Dairy Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Route 3412 (Dairy Road), between Gentry Lane and Route 3412 (Grove Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Roadway improvements – Expect alternating lane closures Monday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., 10 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, 9 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday in the following areas:

  • U.S. 250 (Bypass), between Route 3412 (Dairy Road) and the ramp to U.S. 29 (Emmet Street) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 743 (Hydraulic Road), between Route 3431 (Brandywine Drive) and U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Culpeper County

(NEW) Mowing – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures, daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 29 (James Monroe Highway), between the Madison County line and the Fauquier County line.
  • U.S. 211 (Lee Highway), between Route 622 (Old Bridge Road) and Route 613 (Waterloo Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

(UPDATE) Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas:

  • U.S. 522 (Germanna Highway), between U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) and the Culpeper town line in the northbound and southbound lanes, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway), alternating lane closures between Route 652 (Cedar Grove Road) and Route 3 (Germanna Highway) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Route 229 (Rixeyville Road), between Route 630 (Jamesons Mill Road) and Route 9537 (Achievement Drive) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 8:30 a.m. to 3;30 p.m.
  • Route 667 (Nalles Mill Road), alternating lane closures between Route 699 (Keyser Road) and the Culpeper town line in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, starting Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Route 667 (Nalles Mill Road), alternating lane closures between Route 699 (Keyser Road) and U.S. 15 Business (James Madison Highway) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(NEW) Route 628 (Hazel River Road) – Bridge substructure repairs/replacement. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 629 (Settle School Road) and Route 729 (Eggbornsville Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route 635 (Hazeland Lane) – Rural rustic repairs. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 646 (Old Stillhouse Road) and the end of Route 635 in the northbound and southbound lanes.

Fauquier County

(NEW) Paving – Expect alternating lane closures, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the following areas:

  • Route 827 (Baldwin Ridge Road), between Route 1407 (North Marigold Court) and the Route 827 dead-end.
  • Route 900 (Cavalry Drive), between Route 1338 (Rebel Drive) and Route 673 (Baldwin Street) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 1335 (Raider Drive), between Route 827 Baldwin Ridge Road and the Route 1335 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1336 Gray Court), between Route 1335 (Raider Drive) and the Route 1336 cul-de-sac in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 1337 (Wilshire Court), between Route 1336 (Gray Court) and the Route 1337 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1338 (Rebel Drive), between Route 1337 (Wilshire Court) and the Route 1338 dead-end in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 1345 (Flycatchers Court), between Route 1312 (Auburn Mill Road) and the Route 1345 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1346 (Forrest Court), between Route 1312 (Auburn Mill Road) and the Route 1346 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1348 (Nuthatch Court), between Route 1312 (Auburn Mill Road) and the Route 1348 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1408 (Marlow Court), between Route 1407 (Marigold Lane) and the Route 1408 dead-end in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 1409 (Maple Court), between Route 1407 (Marigold Lane) and the Route 1409 dead-end.
  • Route 1414 (Lancaster Drive), between Route 1405 (Nordix Drive) and Route 1457 (Fluvana Court) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 1431 (Red Maple Court), between Route 1407 (North Marigold Court) and the Route 1431 dead-end in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1432 (Walnut Court), between Route 1431 (Red Maple Court and the Route 1432 dead-end in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1486 (Kathryn Lane), between Route 1407 (Marigold Lane) and the Route 1486 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 1487 (Christa Court), between Route 1486 (Kathryn Lane) and the Route 1487 cul-de-sac in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

(NEW) Mowing – Expect mobile, alternating lane closure in the following areas:

  • Interstate 66, between mile marker 14 and mile marker 37 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily and nightly through Monday, 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.
  • U.S. 17 (James Madison Highway), between the Warrenton town line and Interstate 66 in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily starting Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • U.S. 17 (Marsh Road), between the Stafford County line and Route 687 (Opal Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily starting Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • U.S. 29 (James Madison Highway), between the Culpeper County line and the Warrenton town line in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily starting Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • U.S. 29 (Lee Highway), between the Warrenton town line and the Spotsylvania County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(UPDATE) Roadway improvements – Expect lane and shoulder closures, nightly, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 17 Business (West Shirley Avenue), right through lane and right turn lane closed in the northbound lanes between U.S. 211 (Frost Avenue) and Carriage House Lane, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • U.S. 211 Business (Waterloo Street), right lane and right turn lane closed between U.S. 17 Business (Broadview Avenue) and Sullivan Street in the westbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(NEW) Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect lane and shoulder closures, daily and nightly through Friday in the following areas:

  • Interstate 66, mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 14 and mile marker 37 in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
  • Route 55 (John Marshall Highway), alternating lane closures between Route 731 (Cobbler Mountain Road) and Route 729 (Carrington Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Interstate 66 – Shoulder repairs. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 30 and mile marker 33 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) – Other construction. Expect alternating lane closures between the Culpeper County line and Route 621 (Freemans Ford Road) in the southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(NEW) Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) – Bridge inspection. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 284 (Belle Meade Lane) and Route 757 (Old Markham Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route 802 (Springs Road) – Bridge superstructure repairs/replacement. Alternating lane closures between Route 1133 (Waverly Drive) and Route 682 (Black Snake Road), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route 822 (Distillery Road) – Bridge superstructure repairs/replacement. Road closed between Route 822 cul-de-sac and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway). A temporary road and bridge are in place. Expected completion date is Dec. 2, 2024.

Route 1437 (Suncrest Drive) – Pipe repairs/installation. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 839 (Porch Road) and the cul-de-sac in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fluvanna County

(NEW) Bridge inspections – Expect alternating lane closures Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway), at Route 672 (Carys Creek Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • U.S. 250 (Richmond Road), between Route 759 (Sunny Field Lane) and Route 707 (Southwinds Court) in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Louisa County

(NEW) Bridge inspections – Expect alternating lane closures, Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway), between Route 208 (New Bridge Road) and Route 1017 (Virginia Way) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 699 (Indian Creek Road), between Route 640 (East Old Mountain Road) and U.S. 522 (Cross County Road) in the northbound lanes.

(NEW) Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect alternating lane closures in the following areas:

  • Route 605 (Shannon Hill Road), between Route 758 (White Walnut Road) and U.S. 33 (Jefferson Highway) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Route 646 (Yanceyville Road), between Route 605 (Shannon Hill Road) and Route 697 (Vigor Road in the northbound and southbound lanes, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Construction of a new roundabout – Expect alternating lane closures daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following areas. Project anticipated completion date, Jan. 31, 2025.

  • U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) between Route 623 (Chopping Road) 0.3 miles north of Route 208 (New Bridge Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 208 (New Bridge Road) between U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) and Alma Gaynelle Drive in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Mowing. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 131 and mile marker 148 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily and nightly, 7 a.m. to 7 a.m.

(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Tree trimming. Expect mobile work zone with right shoulder closures between mile markers 131 and mile marker 143 in the westbound lanes, daily through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) – Pipe repairs/installation. Expect alternating lane closures between the Orange County line and Zion Crossroads in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route 640 (East Jack Jouett Road) – Bridge repairs. Road closed between Route 613 (Poindexter Road) and Route 617 (Green Springs Road). Expected completion date is Dec. 6.

Madison County

(NEW) Paving – Expect alternating lane closure, daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the following areas:

  • U.S. 29 (South Seminole Trail), between Route 634 (Washington Street) and Route 631 (Kirtley Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes.
  • Route 231 (South F T Valley Road), between Route 643 (Etlan Road) and the Rappahannock County line in the northbound and southbound lanes.

(NEW) U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) – Bridge inspection. Expect alternating lane closures at Route 631 (Meander Run Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

U.S. 29 (South Seminole Trail) – New roadway construction. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 677 (Estes Road) and Route 662 (Shelby Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Orange County

(NEW) U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) – Bridge inspection. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 719 (Belmont Road) and the Spotsylvania County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rappahannock County

(NEW) Mowing – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas:

  • U.S. 211 (Lee Highway), between Route 48 (Skyline Drive) and Waterpenny Lane in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway), between U.S. 211 (Lee Highway) and the Warren County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

(NEW) Route 231 (F T Valley Road) – Paving. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 621 (Yancey Road) and the Madison County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(END)

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.

STAUNTON DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT

FOR OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Highway Work Zones in the VDOT 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 consists of 11 counties from the Alleghany Highlands to the northern Shenandoah Valley: Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren.

Scheduled work 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 or revised entry since last week’s report.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

No lane closures reported.

PRIMARY ROADS

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

SECONDARY ROADS

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

BATH COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

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

SECONDARY ROADS

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

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

*NEW* Mile marker 46 to 47, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for shoulder repairs, 7 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday and Thursday.

Mile marker 55 to 58, eastbound – Alternating lane closures for paving operations, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.

INTERSTATE 81

*NEW* Mile marker 175 to 176, northbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 177 to 178, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for shoulder repairs, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

*NEW* Mile marker 182 to 181, southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mile marker 203 to 206, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Thursday night.

*NEW* Exit 205, northbound – Ramp narrowing and right shoulder closures along off-ramp for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Alternating lane closures between Lexington city limits and Route 678 (Buffalo Bend Road) for paving operations, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 28 – November 15.

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

SECONDARY ROADS

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

HIGHLAND COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

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

SECONDARY ROADS

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

AUGUSTA COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

*UPDATE* Mile marker 95 to 98, eastbound and westbound – Overnight single lane and shoulder closures for installation of traffic equipment, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday nights.

INTERSTATE 81

*NEW* Exit 213, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures along on-ramps from Route 11 for shoulder repairs, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Exit 217, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures along on-ramps from Route 654 for shoulder repairs, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 219 to 221, northbound – Overnight right shoulder closures for soil cleanup, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday night.

Mile marker 219 to 217, southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance to Route 654 overpass bridge, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through Thursday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 220 to 222, northbound and southbound – Shoulders closed 24/7. Overnight lane closures or slow-roll closures as needed. Traffic restrictions are for bridge replacement and roadway construction as part of I-81 southbound auxiliary lane project. Expected completion in summer 2025. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 221 to 227, northbound and southbound – Overnight southbound left lane closures mile marker 226 to 223, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Wednesday nights for bridge construction. Right and left shoulder closures 24/7 through spring 2026. Work zone speed limit 60 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are for I-81 widening project.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 42 (Buffalo Gap Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 720 (Dry Branch Road/Morris Mill Road) and Route 2212 (Taliaferro Drive) for overhead utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. October 28 – November 15.

Route 42 (Little Calf Pasture Highway) – Mobile lane closures between Route 1130 (East Village Lane) and Route 685 (Lehigh Road) for pavement marking, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday (November 2).

*NEW* Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) – Westbound right shoulder closures between southbound I-81 on-ramp (Exit 222) and Route 792 (Sangers Lane), 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. October 28 – November 8. Traffic restrictions are for drilling operations related to I-81 widening project.

*NEW* Route 254 (Parkersburg Turnpike) – Westbound right shoulder closures near Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) interchange for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*UPDATE* Route 285/608 (Tinkling Spring Road) – Northbound right shoulder closures between Route 1315 (Wilson Lane) and Foursquare Lane for commercial entrance construction, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 611 (Calf Mountain Road) – Temporary closures near intersection with Route 619 (Purple Cow Road) for overhead utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday. Route 624 (South Delphine Avenue, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between South Oak Lane and Chinquapin Drive for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through May 2025.

Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) – Closed between I-81 frontage roads (FR-217 and FR-218) for bridge replacement as part of I-81 southbound auxiliary lane project. Follow posted detour. Expected completion summer 2025.

*UPDATE* Route 640 (Goose Creek Road) – Shoulder closures between Route 285/608 (Tinkling Spring Road) and Route 834 (Hickory Hill Road) for commercial entrance construction, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.

Route 664 (Mount Torrey Road) – Temporary closures between Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) and Route 814 (Love Road) for overhead utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday.

Route 664 (Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between Miami Avenue and Purdue Street for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through June 2025.

Route 705 (Scott-Christian Road/North Mountain Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 703 (Hewitt Road) and Route 707 (Trimbles Mill Road) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday.

Various roads – Flagger and pilot truck traffic control for paving operations in subdivisions including parts of Route 1320 (New Brunswick Road), Route 1321 (Princeton Lane), Route 1322 (South Cobblestone Court), Route 1324 (Harrogate Drive), Route 1326 (Warren Circle), Route 1327 (Logan Lane), Route 1332 (Mallory Circle), Route 1333 (Longview Circle), Route 1350 (Summerfield Drive), Route 1404 (Sunset Boulevard), Route 1740 (Sir Robin Road), Route 1741 (Sir Robin Road), Route 1742 (Friar Tuck Court/King Richard Road), Route 1743 (Prince John Court), Route 1744 (Maid Marian Court), and Route 1745 (Little John Court), 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. 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

Exit 240, southbound – Left shoulder closures along off- and on-ramps for turn lane construction, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 16.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 48, northbound and southbound – Overnight ramp closures and alternating lane closures as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2026. Expect delays. 24/7 shoulder closures. Traffic restrictions are related to Route 33 bridge and interchange project.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (South Valley Pike) – Northbound right shoulder closures near Route 704 (Oakwood Drive) intersection for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 11 (North Valley Pike/Lee Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Northwood Lane and Route 765 (Gravels Road) for curb and gutter installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

*NEW* Business Route 33 (Old Spotswood Trail, Elkton) – Shoulder closures between North 1st Street and Route 635 (River Road) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 33 (East Market Street, Harrisonburg) – Eastbound and westbound right lane closures between Reservoir Street and University Boulevard for inspection of bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

*NEW* Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Westbound right shoulder closures between Route 1165 (Robin Road) and Wynnwood Lane for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Eastbound and westbound overnight mobile lane closures between Route 646 (Bloomer Springs Road/New Hope Road) and Business Route 33 (Old Spotswood Trail) for traffic signal inspections, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday night.

*NEW* Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Eastbound and westbound overnight mobile lane closures between Route 655 (Lawyer Road) and Route 704 (Boyers Road) for traffic signal inspections, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday night.

*NEW* Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Eastbound and westbound overnight mobile lane closures between Route 276 (Cross Keys Road) and Route 999 (Stumps Road) for traffic signal inspections, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday night.

*UPDATE* Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Eastbound right shoulder closures near Route 704 (Boyers Road) intersection for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 33 (Rawley Pike) – Flagger and pilot-truck traffic control between Dry Run Road and Switzer Lake Road for road widening project, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December.

Route 33 (East Market Street, Harrisonburg) – Overnight lane closures eastbound and westbound between Vine Street/Hawkins Street and Terri Drive due to bridge work, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nights through January 2026. Detours in place as needed during overnight closures. Single-lane traffic between Hawkins Street and Evelyn Byrd Avenue for bridge construction, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 2026. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 25 miles an hour with automated speed enforcement. Traffic restrictions are for Route 33 bridge replacements and interchange improvement.

*NEW* Route 42 (Harpine Highway) – Northbound right shoulder closures near Route 778 (Brenneman Church Road) intersection for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 42 (John Wayland Highway) – Southbound right shoulder closures between Business Route 42 (Main Street, Dayton) and Route 732 (Eberly Road) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 257 (Friedens Church Road) – Eastbound and westbound right lane closures between I-81 interchange and Walton Way for commercial entrance construction, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday.

*NEW* Route 340 (East Side Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 253 (Port Republic Road) and Route 754 (South Branch Road) for tree-removal operations, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. 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. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 620 (Mountain Valley Road) – Flagger traffic control for utility work between Route 608 (Mauzy Athlone Road) and Route 655 (James Branch Road), 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Monday (October 28).

Route 682 (Friedens Church Road) – Flagger traffic control between I-81 interchange and Route 989 (Creekside Drive) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday.

*NEW* Route 701 (College Street) – Shoulder closures between Route 732 (Eberly Road) and Dayton town limits for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 732 (Eberly Road) – Shoulder closures between Route 42 (John Wayland Highway) and Business Route 42 (Main Street, Dayton) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 800 (McCauley Drive, Timberville) –Flagger traffic control between Route 42 (South Main Street/Timber Way) and Fourth Avenue for sidewalk construction, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through May 1.

*NEW* Route 4113 (Country Club Road, Harrisonburg) – Flagger traffic control between Keezletown Road and Vine Street for inspection of I-81 overpass bridge, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

PAGE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 211/340 (Lee Highway) – Eastbound and westbound alternating lane closures between Route 652 (Airport Road) and Route 615 (Egypt Bend Road//Longs Road) for tree removal operations, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. 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. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

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

*NEW* Mile marker 279 to 280, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PRIMARY ROADS

No lane closures reported.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 601 (Battlefield Road) – Shoulder closures between Route 821 (Triplett Road) and Route 757 (Copp Road) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Various roads – Flagger and pilot truck traffic control for paving operations on various parts of Route 605 (Hoover Road), Route 645 (Old School House Drive), Route 650 (Tea Berry Road), Route 657 (Mason Road), Route 664 (Moose Road), and Route 780 (Walton Farm Road), 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday.

FREDERICK COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81

*NEW* Exit 307A, northbound – Right shoulder closures along off-ramp for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Mile marker 317 to 319, northbound and southbound – Overnight right lane closures and southbound off-ramp closures as needed for extension of exit 317 northbound entrance ramp and southbound exit ramp, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. nights through November 28.

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike) – Southbound left shoulder closures between Merchant Street/Snowden Bridge Boulevard and Route 661 (Welltown Road) for signal installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday (November 3).

Route 11 (Martinsburg Pike) – Northbound and southbound I-81 northbound on-ramp closures as needed for extension of exit 317 northbound entrance ramp and southbound exit ramp, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. nights through November 28.

Route 50/17 (Millwood Pike) – Median crossover at intersection with Route 728 (Victory Road) closed permanently. Intersection allows right turns only. Westbound Route 50 motorists can access Route 728 by following Independence Drive south from Route 50/17.

Route 50/17 (Millwood Pike) – Eastbound right shoulder closures between Winchester city limits and Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) for traffic signal work, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday (November 3).

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 661 (Redbud Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 662 (Milburn Road) and Route 660 (Woods Mill Road) for road maintenance, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through December 31.

Route 662 (Milburn Road) – Flagger traffic control at various locations between Route 661 (Redbud Road) and Route 761 (Old Charles Town Road) for road maintenance, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through December 31.

Route 679 (Indian Hollow Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 600 (North Hayfield Road) and Route 608 (Dicks Hollow Road/Valpro Drive) for utility work and paving, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday.

Route 728 (Victory Road) – Median crossover at intersection with Route 50/17 (Millwood Pike) closing permanently on October 21. Intersection will allow right turns only. Route 728 motorists will access westbound Route 50/17 by using Independence Drive.

*NEW* Route 803 (Round Hill Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 654 (Poorhouse Road/Old Firehouse Lane) and Route 620 (Singhass Road) for utility work, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 30 – November 6.

*NEW* Route 1129 (Prosperity Drive) – Shoulder closures between Route 11 (Valley Pike) and Renaissance Drive for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. October 28 – November 18.

CLARKE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Eastbound right lane closures between Route 7 Business (West Main Street) and Route 679 (Pine Grove Road) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday.

Route 7 Business (East Main Street, Berryville) – Flagger traffic control between Route 340 (Buckmarsh Street) and Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday.

Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Single lane closures between Route 606 (River Road) and Route 601 (Blueridge Mountain Road) for guardrail installation as part of safety enhancement project. Eastbound lane closures 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays. Westbound lane closures between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays or weeknights. Estimated completion October 31.

SECONDARY ROADS

No lane closures reported.

WARREN COUNTY

INTERSTATE 66

*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Mobile left lane and right shoulder closures for litter pickup and mowing operations, 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. October 27 – November 4. Lane closures are primary during nighttime and overnight hours.

*NEW* Mile marker 1 to 14, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. October 28 – November 8.

Mile marker 14 to 15, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, with daytime and nighttime work hours possible. Estimated completion November 1.

INTERSTATE 81

No lane closures reported.

PRIMARY ROADS

No lane closures reported.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for construction of bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Follow posted detour. Estimated completion December 2025.

Vegetation management may take place district wide on various routes. VDOT reminds motorists to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Obtain traffic alerts and traveler information by dialing 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org. For other assistance, call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can 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 VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and X (Twitter). Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, X and YouTube. The VDOT Web page is at https://vdot.virginia.gov/.

Weather Bulletin : Elevated Fire Danger Expected Today

Tommy
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0
Weather Bulletin : Elevated Fire Danger Expected Today

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
512 AM EDT Thu Oct 24 2024

(scroll down for areas affected as of 6:55 AM)

…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER EXPECTED TODAY…

Elevated fire conditions are expected due to dry conditions and
gusty winds. Relative humidity values around 30 percent are
expected along with sustained north westerly winds of 15 to 20
mph and gusts 25 to 30 mph. This will result in the rapid drying
of fine fuels.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling
open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of
cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans.
Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily
ignite and spread fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions,
and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state`s
forestry or environmental protection website.

-District of Columbia-Garrett-Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-
Northern Baltimore-Cecil-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-
Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-Extreme Western Allegany-
Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-Southeast Harford-
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-
Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-
Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Washington, Mountain Lake Park, Oakland,
Grantsville, Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Eldersburg,
Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Elkton, Baltimore,
Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt,
Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate,
Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, St. Charles, Waldorf,
Lexington Park, California, Chesapeake Beach, Huntingtown,
Dunkirk, North Beach, Lusby, Prince Frederick, Frostburg,
Cumberland, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville,
Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City,
Jarrettsville, Aberdeen, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market,
Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville,
Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville,
Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria,
Falls Church, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Warrenton,
Turnbull, Hightown, Monterey, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn,
Sterling, Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Haymarket, Dale City,
Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Romney, Paw Paw,
Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Moorefield, Bayard,
Mount Storm, Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek,
Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby, Riverton,
Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove-

Father Thyme – So Long Keith Dix Of Nellysford

Tommy
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0
Father Thyme – So Long Keith Dix Of Nellysford

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

I’m not sure Keith Dix ever raised thyme, though I am betting he did at least once. If Keith ever gave you farming advice, you took it. If he ever offered you a driveway blade, you bought it. About 10 years ago I got an old red tractor blade from Keith. I’d been looking for a used one. New ones were pretty expensive and I only needed something to scrape the driveway once a year or so. Keith heard I needed one and said something to me about having one. “How’s $100.00?,” he asked. I said, “Keith even as old as that is, it’s still worth plenty more. These things are costly.” He wouldn’t take a penny more and had it ready to load on my trailer when I got there. I still use it to this very day. That’s the kind of person Keith was. If he could help you out, he would. If he couldn’t personally, he’d find a way to make it happen.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : Bev Lacey (L-Keith’s wife) and Keith tend to plants in their hoop house at Blue Heron Farm in Nellysford, Virginia. – March 2008

For years you’ve seen me write about people that have passed on in Nelson. Now having been here for over 20 years, we’ve met so many folks and become their friends over time. You often hear me say “this one hurt” or “I really felt this one” when writing memories of someone leaving us. This one really stung. Let me tell you why.

Photo By Yvette Stafford : Keith Dix (then co-owner of Basic Necessities) looks on one mild spring morning while 5 month old Adam Stafford played on the lawn in front of the shop in Nellysford, Virginia. – March 2008

We moved to Nelson full time in early 2004. After coming to visit for several years we pulled the trigger and made the permanent move from Tennessee. As we settled in the area, first buying a house in Greenfield, and starting what was then Nelson County Life, Basic Necessities became the hub of our places to hang out. Keith and his wife Bev Lacey had bought Basics with its founder Kay Pfaltz around that time. And, so began a long stretch of memories and experiences that shaped who we are and who our children have become. Hours and months of hanging out at Basic turned into years. Keith & Bev were always there.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : Keith talking to Brad Vergin of Nelson County and others during the 15 year anniversary celebration at Basic Necessities. July 2012

They had a legit flower farm just outside of Nellysford, Blue Heron Farm. Every morning when I’d be at Basics with the kids for breakfast, I’d see Keith come in with fresh flowers from the farm. He’d sell some of what they didn’t sell to commercial operations and event planners for weddings and such. We’d always have small talk when he’d stop in. It varied from politics, to farming, to weather and more. Politically we couldn’t have been farther apart. And you know what, it never mattered. We had such in depth great discussions. It never got heated. To the contrary, we’d often laugh when trying to make our point. Or he’d sort of gently grin and say something like, “Well we’ll see how that goes for you.” It was always pleasant.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : Keith Dix and Bev Lacey on their Blue Heron Farm in Nellysford, Virginia. September 10, 2012

Keith had an affection for good bourbon. For years he’d have a small glass each evening after the day was done on the farm. Now and then Yvette and I were fortunate enough to be around for the daily ritual. It’s honestly some of my fondest early memories of Nelson.

Keith, like many of us, has a vivid past. He bought his Nelson farm property back in 2000.  He and Bev married in 2004 and moved here for good. (trivia, we share the same wedding anniversary as they do, July 10th – just a year difference – It’s also the late Earl Hamner’s birthday date. Ironic at a minimum)

After Hurricane Katrina clobbered New Orleans Keith jumped right in and started helping to rebuild homes there. He was a man of many talents. He ran crews with Habitat while in his 70s back then. Eventually they bought a second place down there and would spend much of the colder winter there after the farm was done for the season here. Keith was driving back and forth to Louisiana well into his late 80s nearing 90. He was absolutely amazing for his age. I often told Yvette, “I want to be like Keith when get that age.” It was just incredible to watch.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : Keith chats it up with Sarah Leake (R) during an anniversary celebration of Basic Necessities. Sarah was the longtime manager of Basic and continues to occasionally help out on Blue Heron Farm to this very day. Photo from July 15, 2012

There were dozens and dozens of people that knew Keith far better and longer than we did. But we luckily got to know he and Bev over these last two decades. I can’t even believe that 20 years has flown by. It really does seem like it was just yesterday.

I knew Keith was slowing day over the last year or so. I hadn’t seen him at the post office or around Nellysford lately. Time was catching up with him and he’d developed some health issues in the last year. He died just a few weeks after Peyton and I harvested the last sweet potatoes from the garden. It reminded me Keith was well known for growing lots of sweet potatoes to give to the local food bank. When I heard of his passing in September, it’s as though time had stopped. It had stopped in a way. Keith made it to 92! The absolute majority of those years he was agile and going.

Keith wasn’t the type for people to make a fuss over his passing. Yet, there were so many that wanted to gather and just remember him as a group. One of his best friends, Dan Ehrman, of Afton told me, “In those final months I’d always come by with fresh croissants from the market and we’d just have them and sit and talk for hours.” Dan told me Keith appreciated it so much and so did Dan, as Keith’s sand in the hourglass was about to run out for his friend.

The weekend of October 20th all of those people that Keith meant so much to gathered at Blue Heron Farm. The very farm he and Bev created two decades ago. We all hugged, cried, and reflected. Then, near the end, we had one final toast. You guessed it. Bourbon. Though Keith may not have wanted the fuss over his passing, I think he greatly approved of that final toast.

See you on the other side Keith and thanks for the memories, and the bourbon 😉

Here’s Keith’s complete obituary with more about his fascinating past.

Northern Lights Very Visible Across The Central Virginia Blue Ridge

Tommy
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Northern Lights Very Visible Across The Central Virginia Blue Ridge

 

Central Virginia Blue Ridge 

Your social media timeline is no doubt full of photos from Thursday night’s Northern Lights (aurora borealis) display across the U.S. Generally people down in the southern third of so of the country have a hard time ever getting to see them, but this year has been a rare exception.

 

Photo By Yvette Stafford : The display was visible with the naked eye, but modern camera phones really helped capture the lights in all of their glory. – Roseland/Bryant – Nelson County, Virginia – October 10, 2024

Below, your photos from across the area.

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