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Beginning as early as Tuesday, Sept. 3, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation will close a portion of Route 647 (River Road) near its southern intersection with Route 35 (Plank Road) in Southampton County to perform culvert restoration. 

A VDOT news release noted that during this work, Route 647 will be closed to through traffic between each of the Route 35 (Plank Road) intersections, with signed detours in place. A full closure to all traffic will be in place for 0.1 mile of Route 647, approximately half a mile west of its southern intersection with Route 35. Access to all existing entrances to private properties and businesses along Route 647 will be maintained for local traffic during this work. 

This work is necessary to extend the lifespan of the existing culvert and is estimated to be complete as early as mid-fall. 

This work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.  

A signed detour will be in place directing motorists to use Route 35 as the alternate route during this closure. Local traffic on Route 647 traveling southbound from Route 35 will be able to travel up to 5 miles south to reach private properties along this corridor before reaching the full closure.  

The VDOT news release concluded by stating that before hitting the road, motorists should consider using VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia.org website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more.