Rain Slows Merrimac Tr. Work; Road Still Closed

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Rain was the culprit in repairs that resulted in Merrimac Trail's extended closure on Dec. 10, and it's now the reason roadwork won't be done as planned at the end of the month.

Merrimac Trail/Rte. 143 has been closed from the intersection with Capitol Landing Road at the DMV office to the Woodshire Apartment Complex at 159 Merrimac Trail. The City of Williamsburg's Public Works Department was finishing a major drainage project there brought on by a November nor'easter.

Closer inspection revealed the damage was worse than originally believed. Extensive rain washed away the embankment and road subsidence caused the waterline to come apart, according to a December press release. Workers had to isolate and abandon the old waterline, then install a new one with curbs, drainage boxes, piping and a guardrail.

Rainy weather - and the promise of more - has slowed progress.

The City continues to monitor the project and will provide updates on the city Web site at and via its Twitter account, WilliamsburgGov.

"We appreciate the patience of area residents," said City spokeswoman Kate Hoving.