| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Sandy Myers (540) 332-9201 Sandy.Myers@vdot.virginia.gov Cellular: (540) 292-2500 |
STA-033 Feb. 8, 2008 |
UPDATE ON I-64 ACCIDENT - Delays continue on I-64 eastbound in Albemarle County
TRACTOR TRAILOR ACCIDENT IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY BLOCKING BOTH SOUTHBOUND I-81 LANES
STAUNTON – A tractor trailer accident on Interstate 81 at mile marker 186 in Rockbridge County is blocking both southbound lanes at this location. This is near Lexington. Updates on this accident can be obtained by calling 511.
As of 11:45 a.m. traffic was backed up three miles. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton Traffic Management Center, traffic is getting by the accident site on the shoulder. Motorists should expect significant delays in this area.
In western Albemarle County, the right lane of Interstate 64 eastbound has been reopened at the site of a crash at milepost 114.5. The tractor-trailer truck involved in the crash has been removed but the left lane will remain closed until the cleanup of the truck’s load of fruit is completed.
Cleanup from the crash, including temporary repairs to damaged guardrail, is expected to continue for several hours. An eight-mile traffic backup is reported on I-64 at this hour.
Cars can detour off I-64 at Exit 107 at Crozet. Motorists should take Route 250 east to Exit 118 and reenter I-64 at the Route 29/250 exit. Tractor-trailer trucks cannot use the detour, however, due to a restricted-height railroad bridge on Route 250 near Crozet.
Eastbound traffic has been snarled since the tractor-trailer ran off I-64 and down an embankment in the median near Exit 114 about 5:30 a.m. Motorists are advised to avoid I-64 eastbound and Route 250 if possible, and to expect significant delays into the afternoon if they must use those highways.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.
Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.
(END)
