VDOT readies for Irene operations; suspends interstate highway work

By: Peter Bacqué | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Published: August 26, 2011

VDOT's Richmond District will begin emergency operations Saturday morning for Hurricane Irene, working 12-hour shifts throughout the storm.

Traveling on area roadways Saturday could be hazardous as a result of heavy rain and wind gusts, VDOT warned.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will assist first responders with traffic control, detours or road closures, but the highway agency will suspend emergency response activities if Irene's sustained winds reach tropical storm force of 39 mph or higher, officials said.

Once conditions improve, crews will go back to working around the clock to clear all roadways, Richmond District spokeswoman Dawn Eischen said.

Richmond area highways traffic face the likelihood of flooding, heavy rain, high winds and debris from Irene, the department said.

In preparation for the storm, VDOT and maintenance contractors have been performing such tasks as inspecting and clearing culverts, ditches and drainage inlets to prevent water from collecting on roadways during heavy rain.

VDOT has suspended interstate highway maintenance and construction through Sunday night to allow for an increase in traffic as motorists evacuate the Hampton Roads area. The suspension could be extended if road conditions have not improved by Monday, the agency said.

The highway department recommended that drivers put off traveling until the hazardous weather conditions pass. VDOT also encouraged to monitor weather reports and road conditions before traveling and take the following precautions:

--Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only 6-12 inches of water to float a small vehicle.

--Never drive around barricades.

--Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause you to lose control.

--Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas. Water in those areas can rise quickly and without warning during heavy rains.

--In the event of a flash-flood warning for your area, seek higher ground immediately.

-- Watch for roadway debris. Don't try to move a downed power line, and remember that downed trees may contain power lines.

VDOT readies for Irene operations; suspends interstate highway work

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