Stafford County, Va. –– Things are about to improve on a road that normally closes due to flooding.
Virginia transportation officials say motorists have become used to Harrell Road closing when it rains because of a poor drainage system at a culvert where the railroad passes over the road.
Water ponds on the roadway causing drivers to find another way around the water, officials said.
Starting Monday, the road will close and remain closed for the next six week as crews replace the existing culvert under the bridge and install box trenches that will help to improve drainage, said Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Tina Bundy.
The new trenches will be level with the paved surface and improved the flow of water in the area after heavy rains.
Plate steel tops will lay atop the new trenches to make maintaining them easier, said Bundy.
Harrell Road is a popular cut-through route between Forbes Street and Deacon Road near Falmouth.
Signs will be posted to inform drivers of a detour route that will be set up around the construction area.
The project is expected to cost $157,000.
