Richmond, Va. – More than three dozen roads remain closed across Virginia’s Culpeper District after torrential storms dropped over seven inches of rain in Rappahannock County, forcing the shutdown of Route 653 in Old Hollow.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the heavy rainfall overwhelmed a pipe beneath Route 653 (Sycamore Ridge Road) near its intersections with Route 612 (Swindler Hollow Road) and Pickeral Ridge Road. The pipe, which carries storm runoff downhill from the Blue Ridge Mountains, failed under the pressure, causing significant flooding and structural damage.
VDOT reports that while private driveways on both sides of the failed section remain accessible, through traffic on Route 653 is not possible until the pipe is replaced—a process that cannot begin until floodwaters subside. As of Wednesday morning, there is no timeline for reopening.
At the peak of the storm, nearly 60 roads were closed across the nine counties of the Culpeper District. As of May 15, 37 roads remain closed, including five in Rappahannock County.
Drivers can check 511.virginia.gov for real-time updates. Residents in affected counties are urged to avoid water-covered roads and follow detours. Additional closures are possible if rains return.
