Bridge replacement leads to detours in Page County
A portion of Route 689 (Ida Road) in Page County is scheduled to be closed for the next six weeks.
VDOT crews will begin June 12th to replace the East Hawksbill Creek Bridge.
Drivers approaching the northside of the bridge will turn on to Route 611 (Farmview Road) and then left on Route 629 (Hollow Run Road) to return to Route 689 (Ida Road).
Drivers approaching the southside of the bridge will go north on Route 689, left on Route 629, and then right on Route 611 to return to Route 689.
VDOT expects to complete the project by July 20th.
All work is weather permitting.
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Algal mat alert lifted in Strasburg
The Virginia Department of Health lifted the Algal Mat alerts for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near the Town of Strasburg for the season.
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force suspends operation at the end of October each year as the recreational swimming season ends.
The cooling of water temperatures naturally lowers the concentration of cyanobacteria.
Suspending HAB Task Force response during the cooler months also allows for the conservation of resources to focus on peak recreational use.
The original mat alert began north of Strasburg near Route 644 and continued 11.5 miles near Route 611.
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Algal Mat Alert for Shenandoah River
The Virginia Department of Health and Lord Fairfax Health District issued an Algal Mat Alert by email for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Strasburg.
The affected area begins at Route 644 and continues for approximately 11.5 miles to Route 611 including the boat ramp at Deer Rapids and other public access points.
Signs have been posted along the shore and at those access points.
Recreation may continue in those areas as long as the algae mats can be avoided.
Pets and livestock are recommended to be kept out of the water to avoid the mats as they may cause gastrointestinal illnesses and skin rashes.
Cyanotoxins levels were below or just above detection levels and contact with the mats can release more toxins.
Consuming cyanotoxins can be fatal for animals.
No disturbances to the town’s drinking water have been observed at this time.
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