VDOT will use an Athey Loader to clear ditches on Route 1

Road crews will be out working on Route 1 in Stafford County for the next three weeks.

Drivers will see mobile, daytime lane closures between Truslow, and American Legion/Eskimo Hill roads as crews will work to clean roadside shoulders and ditches to improve drainage. They’ll also be laying down a fresh layer of stone along the shoulder of the road, the Virginia Department of Transportation said.

Crews will begin work on Monday, April 13, near the Truslow Road intersection, and will advance north along Route 1 toward the American Legion Road and Eskimo Hill Road intersection.

When crews reach the American Legion Road and Eskimo Hill Road intersection, work will continue along Route 1 southbound toward Truslow Road.

Work will occur on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The work zone will be mobile and will require the closure of the right lane.

Weather permitting, crews will work on the following dates:

• Monday, April 13 – Friday, April 17
  Monday, April 20 – Friday, April 24
  Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1

Crews will use a piece of equipment known as an Athey Loader to remove debris, leaves, and other material from the roadside. The operation will keep ditches open, so water can drain away from the travel lanes during heavy rain, according to VDOT.

The Athey Loader process requires coordination between several pieces of large construction equipment, including the loader, a motor grader, and a dump truck. This coordination allows the work zone to stay mobile. Staying on the move helps to accomplish the work faster, which reduces delays for travelers.

VDOT has provided Potomac Local News with a video that explains the sequence of equipment used to keep the work zone mobile, which shortens the amount of time a lane closure is needed.