VDOT: Part of U.S. 250 near Afton Mountain to remain closed
View Comments
AFTON A portion of U.S. 250 near the top of Afton Mountain will remained closed for an extended period, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Earlier this week, a rockslide spilled mud and debris onto the roadway, VDOT said. The slide has closed U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) between Va. 6 (Afton Mountain Road) and Va. 740 (Old Turnpike Road). The slide is east of the mountain s summit.
On Wednesday, VDOT said rocks, soil and debris continued to slide down a steep slope to the ditch line and into the roadway. The slide began Monday afternoon and required the closing of U.S. 250 to traffic.
Photo: WINA
May 5, 2021, VDOT News Release
CULPEPER U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) will be closed for an extended period between Route 6 (Afton Mountain Road) east of the summit of Afton Mountain and Route 750 (Old Turnpike Road) just west of the Rockfish Gap Country Store. On Wednesday rocks, soil and debris continue to slide down the steep slope to the ditch line and into the roadway. The slide began at midday Monday and required closing U.S. 250 to traffic.
Geologists and engineers with the Virginia Department of Transportation are continuing their assessment of the site and the extent of the slide area. Then they can determine how to safely remove debris from the road as well as unstable material still on the slope above the road. The slope must also be stabilized before the road can be reopened to traffic.
/Virginia State Police
CULPEPER U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) remains closed between the top of Afton Mountain and Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road) due to a rock slide that partially blocked the road Monday afternoon. On Monday evening rocks and trees continued to slide down the slope to the roadway.
Geologists and engineers with the Virginia Department of Transportation met on-site Tuesday morning to assess the extent of the slide and how to remove the material from the road. The slope must also be stabilized before the road can be reopened to traffic.
At this time it is not known how long U.S. 250 will be closed, but motorists should anticipate using Interstate 64 as the only route over Afton Mountain at least through May 11, according to the department’s Lou Hatter. More information about the duration of the closure will be provided once an assessment of the situation is completed.