VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK—As Tropical Storm Elsa approaches, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is prepared to keep the region’s state-maintained roadways safe ahead of forecasted effects of the storm.

Based on current forecasts, VDOT staff is preparing for potential risks stemming from heavy rainfall and high winds. Crews stand ready to respond to any unsafe traveling conditions and damage resulting from the storm. Ahead of the storm, crews have been inspecting drainage facilities and clearing them where necessary, readying trucks and equipment, and coordinating debris and tree removal crews to be on standby.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded to avoid areas with downed power lines, trees and standing water. Citizens are also encouraged to report any unsafe road conditions or hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 1-800-FOR-ROAD or online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Additional details regarding Hampton Roads state-maintained roadways during Elsa are as follows:

• Planned lane closures not related to storm activities will be restricted on all interstates and major primaries from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 8 through 5 a.m. Friday, July 9. This includes all directions of I-64, I-664, I-264, Routes 17, 58, 13, 460, and 60 in the Hampton Roads area.
• The I-64 Express Lanes (reversible lanes) between I-264 and I-564 in Norfolk, will be closed from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 8 until 5 a.m. Friday, July 9.
• There are no plans to close any of Hampton Roads major bridge or tunnel crossings, including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Complete bridge information can be found here. Speed limits may be reduced based on current wind conditions at each facility for motorist safety.
• Depending on marine storm conditions, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may potentially experience reductions in capacity and service outages. Motorists can call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY for status updates on ferry service.
• VDOT closes bridges, ramps or roads only when there is imminent danger to public safety, such as high water, structural damage or downed trees and debris blocking the roadway. If a closure is in place, motorists should not attempt to drive on the closed roadway or structure.

Citizens are encouraged to limit travel during inclement weather and utilize the following tools provided by VDOT:

• Residents should report any problems such as flooding, downed trees, or road hazards to VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov.

• Statewide and local traffic conditions are available by calling 511 (dial or say nine to go straight to Hampton Roads info), visiting www.511virginia.org or downloading the free 511 Virginia mobile app. 511 Virginia provides real-time road conditions and interstate cameras.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.