VDOT News - Richmond

CHESTERFIELD, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s Richmond District crews are ready to respond to emergencies throughout the remainder of Hurricane Ian.

The storm is predicted to bring heavy rain, which could cause flooding in low-lying areas, to the 14-county VDOT Richmond District. As part of the storm preparations, which began Monday, VDOT crews inspected and cleaned low-lying and vulnerable drainage structures across state-maintained roads, and cleared obstructions when necessary.

Prepared for Emergencies

VDOT is ready to respond to emergencies with additional staff at the Traffic Operations Center and for the Safety Service Patrol. Traffic signal crews are on standby to address downed or inoperable signals caused by high winds. Emergency tree crews are on standby in case high winds lead to downed trees.

Bridge Wind Speeds

Wind speeds on the Benjamin Harrison and Varina-Enon bridges are being closely monitored by VDOT throughout the weekend with high winds forecast to accompany the remnants of the storm.

If high winds make it necessary for bridges to close for safety reasons, changeable message boards, signs and barricades will alert motorists in advance. When there are high winds, tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross bridges. Trucks carrying small or empty loads may be especially at risk.

Safe Driving

All vehicle drivers should pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from officials and limit travel based on conditions. Obey all road closed signs. Be alert to debris, downed trees and power lines. If a traffic signal is out, drivers are advised to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Additionally, residents in the vicinity of small streams and those traveling through low-lying areas should be aware that those streams can rise rapidly, overflowing their banks and covering roads. Never attempt to drive on a flooded road – two feet of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, and the road may be washed out. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Report a Road Hazard

Report a downed tree, debris, flooding, or another road hazard to VDOT's Customer Service Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or online at my.vdot.virginia.gov. 

For the latest real-time traffic information or road conditions, call 511 or visit http://www.511virginia.org. 

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