The Virginia Department of Transportation is lifting lane closures on Interstate 64 to aid travelers moving inland ahead of Hurricane Florence.
The suspension will be in effect until the emergency is over, according to a news release from VDOT.
The exception to the suspension will be for shoulder strengthening in segment III of the I-64 widening project. That closure includes single-lane closures on I-64 east and west from Route 199 Lightfoot (exit 234) to Route 143 Camp Peary (Exit 238).
The closures for shoulder strengthening start as early as 7 p.m. and run until 5 a.m. the following morning.
In addition to suspending lane closures, VDOT is also working with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Virginia State Police to plan an emergency response if Hurricane Florence impacts the area.
State Police urge motorists “to pack their patience and make traffic safety a priority.”
“Motorists can expect increased volumes of traffic on Route 460 and Interstates 264, 664 and 64 throughout Tuesday (Sept. 11) and on into Wednesday,” said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, State Police spokeswoman. “Increases in traffic indicates an increased need for all drivers to make smart, safe and sober decisions while behind the wheel.”
The storm is now a Category 4 hurricane, and is expected to drop up to 20 inches of rain in Virginia starting Thursday night.
To prepare, VDOT is:
- Securing equipment in work areas
- Inspecting and clearing drainage facilities
- Planning for increased traffic monitoring and aiding motorists in distress along major routes
- Lifting lane closures where possible
- Notifying debris and tree removal crews to be on standby once the storm impacts the area.
To get the latest road conditions and information on damage, call 511, go to www.511virginia.org or download the mobile app at the 511 web site.
Report downed trees or road hazards by calling VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
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