VDOT: Expect gridlock this week as bridge final touches cause daytime lane closures

Traffic slowly files by as workers continue construction of the South Fork Bridge., Sept. 12, 2017 /Photos by Norma Jean Shaw

FRONT ROYAL – Drivers using Route 340/522 (Shenandoah Avenue) in Warren County just north of Front Royal can expect significant traffic delays this week (Dec. 4-8) as workers put the finishing touches on the South Fork ShenandoahRiver bridge and Quadrant Roadway Intersection (QRI) project.

 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) spokesperson Sandy Meyers said in an email that left or right lane closures are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for paving and applying line-markings. The work must be done during the daytime because the late fall overnight temperatures are too cold for these operations.

Ms. Myers said that drivers should consider the alternate route of  John Marshall Highway (Route 55 East) between Front Royal and Interstate 66 at exit 13 in the Linden area.

The  paving and line-painting are among the final stages of construction on the South Fork Shenandoah River bridge and Quadrant Roadway Intersection (QRI) project. The QRI at Route 340/522 and West Strasburg Road (Route 55 West) opened to traffic in November. Details of the new intersection – including traffic patterns and simulation videos – are located at http://www.QRIVirginia.org.

All work is weather permitting.

Traffic alerts and traveler information are available by calling 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.