VDOT sets damage cost at $263,000

BY SCOTT SHENK

Crews are still cleaning up the mess caused by the weekend storms that blew through the area, but an early estimate of the road damage is in.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, it has cost an estimated $263,000 to fix damaged traffic signals and clear debris from downed trees and power lines in its 14-county Fredericksburg District.

The district’s damage was limited to Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline and Gloucester counties.

Most of the damage was caused by the powerful storm that hit the area late Friday night.

The storm, which brought with it winds of up to 80 mph, shut down dozens of area roads and and knocked out about 70 local traffic signals, according to VDOT.

Storm-debris damage hit Stafford, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties, said Kelly Hannon with VDOT. Traffic signals were damaged in Stafford, King George and Gloucester.

All of the local traffic signals have been repaired and are working.

Only three area roads still had closed sections as of Tuesday—Greenbank and McCarty roads in Stafford and Elys Ford Road in Spotsylvania.

Hannon said the department is seeking $159,000 from the Federal Highway Administration for damage mostly to interstates and primary roads.

VDOT has asked for another $104,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover damage to less-traveled secondary roads.

VDOT doesn’t have an estimate on road damage statewide.

“It’s too early to tell,” said spokeswoman Tamara Rollison, who added that it will take weeks to know.

The Friday storm’s high winds cut power to millions across Virginia—including about 70,000 people in the Fredericksburg region—forced the closure of hundreds of roads and knocked out just as many traffic signals.

All of which caused Gov. Bob McDonnell to declare a state of emergency.

Scott Shenk: 540/374-5436

sshenk@freelancestar.com

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