Expect slow moving traffic on Route 7 and Route 11 in Winchester area during the night of October 15th

Motorists should be aware of slow-moving vehicles tonight, October 15 into October 16, in the area of westbound Route 7 in the Winchester area proceeding to Route 11.

Crews will be moving the object left on Route 7 in Clarke County after an incident on Monday, October 12 when a tractor-trailer load disconnected from the trailer. Two cranes were brought to the site on October 13 to remove the heavy concrete object from the eastbound roadway shoulder to a site at the bottom of the steep grade on Route 7. The object is now next to Route 7 westbound.

Beginning at 9 p.m. on October 15 the towing operation will move the object along the following route:

· Route 7 westbound

· Right on Fort Collier Road

· Right on West Brooke Road

· Left on Park Center Road

· Enter Route 11 and proceed on Route 11/37 northbound

· Left onto Welltown Road

· Left onto tow company property entrance

The Virginia State Police will escort the towing vehicle along with two crash cushions, one on either side of the escort. The speed will be around 8 to 10 miles per hour with no passing. As traffic queues occur the escort group can pull aside where room allows and let traffic go by. Coordination with both Shenandoah Electric and Rappahannock Electric to have trucks available to raise overhead lines where needed.

The operation is estimated to conclude by 2 a.m. on October 16.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile-friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.