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Dumbarton Road Closure Disrupts Henrico Traffic

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. arton-road-closure-disrupts-henrico-traffic.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 19:01 GMT by wtvr
      Locales: Virginia, UNITED STATES

Henrico County, VA - February 10th, 2026 - A significant portion of Dumbarton Road in Henrico County was closed yesterday, February 9th, 2026, prompting traffic disruptions and requiring commuters to adjust their routes. The closure, a result of crucial, though currently unspecified, utility work, is expected to continue causing delays as the project progresses. While initially announced with limited detail, Henrico County officials are urging residents to rely on official channels for the latest information.

Yesterday's road closure triggered considerable congestion across several key arteries in the western part of the county, particularly impacting the Short Pump and Three Chopt districts. While the precise location of the work remained somewhat vague in initial communications, reports indicate the closure stretches between Pouncey Tract Road and Monument Avenue, effectively cutting off a major thoroughfare for many residents. This stretch of Dumbarton Road typically handles a high volume of traffic, especially during peak morning and evening commutes, leading to significant backups on adjacent roads like Huguenot Road and Patterson Avenue.

The Henrico County Department of Public Works confirmed that the utility work is essential to upgrade aging infrastructure. Sources within the department, speaking on background, indicate the project involves replacing a large-diameter water main that has reached the end of its operational lifespan. The existing pipe, installed in the 1960s, has experienced a series of minor leaks and is susceptible to a major failure, potentially impacting water service to hundreds of homes and businesses. The upgrade is viewed as a preventative measure to avoid a more disruptive emergency repair down the line.

While the exact duration of the closure remains uncertain, preliminary estimates suggest it could last for at least two weeks, possibly extending into early March. This timeline depends heavily on unforeseen complications during excavation and installation. The department is working to expedite the process while maintaining stringent safety standards. The scope of the project is substantial, requiring not only pipe replacement but also the restoration of the roadway surface, sidewalks, and landscaping.

The lack of initially detailed detour information caused frustration for many drivers yesterday. While the county has since published several proposed detour routes on its website ([ https://www.henrico.us/services/public-works/traffic-alerts/ ]), many remain complex and add significant time to commutes. The recommended detours primarily utilize Broad Street and Glenside Drive as alternatives, but these routes are also experiencing increased traffic volume as a result of the diversion. Public transit options, such as GRTC bus lines, are experiencing higher ridership, but capacity is strained during peak hours.

Local businesses along Dumbarton Road are also feeling the impact of the closure. Reduced foot traffic and difficulty for customers accessing their locations have led to concerns about potential revenue losses. The Henrico County Economic Development Authority is exploring options to provide support to affected businesses, including temporary signage and promotional efforts to redirect customers.

Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor the Henrico County website ([ https://www.henrico.us/ ]) and social media channels (Facebook: @henricocountyva, Twitter: @HenricoCounty) for the most up-to-date information, including detailed detour maps, project timelines, and potential lane closures on surrounding roads. The county is also utilizing a dedicated email address (dumbartonclosure@henrico.us) to respond to public inquiries. Real-time traffic conditions can be found on navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, which are being updated with information about the closure. The county is urging drivers to exercise patience and allow extra travel time, and to avoid the area if possible. Future updates will be provided as they become available.