Overturned Tractor-Trailer Shuts Down Busy Stafford Roadway, Sparks Hours-Long Cleanup

On Friday morning, August 15, a tractor-trailer collision caused traffic to back up and Virginia Department of Transportation personnel to launch a massive cleanup effort after closing a busy Stafford crossroads for hours.

The Stafford County wreck and spill scene.

The Stafford County wreck and spill scene.

The Stafford County wreck and spill scene.

The Stafford County wreck and spill scene.

The vehicle was overturned, and debris was strewn all over the road after the collision, which occurred near Centreport Parkway and Route 1, according to VDOT.

The closure lasted until Friday afternoon, forcing drivers going to I-95 to take exit 133 (Route 17) or exit 140 (Courthouse Road).

Crews stated that the collision scene was mostly cleared by early afternoon.

VDOT reported that northbound Centerport Parkway lanes and I-95 on- and off-ramps at exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) have reopened just after 12:30 p.m.

For further cleanup, the northbound right lane of Route 1 to Centreport Parkway was still blocked.

Images from the scene showed workers in high-visibility clothing overseeing the process, heaps of debris being pushed to the side of the road, and heavy machinery removing the damaged trailer.

A large portion of the load spilled over the grass and across the shoulder, looking to be scrap and building materials.