Downed Power Lines Shut Down I-95 In Virginia, Causing Major Fredericksburg Delays: VDOT
Traffic on I-95 in Virginia came to a total standstill Monday after downed power lines forced the closure of all northbound and southbound lanes near Fredericksburg, according to VDOT.
The traffic caused by the downed power lines in Fredericksburg.
The traffic caused by the downed power lines in Fredericksburg.
The traffic caused by the downed power lines in Fredericksburg.
Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, June 16, the Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed that I-95 was fully shut down at Exit 130 (Route 3) due to fallen lines across the highway.
Both northbound and southbound traffic was detoured around the area, backing up miles in both directions and bringing freight and commuter traffic to a halt.
Southbound drivers were pushed off at Exit 140 (Courthouse Road) in Stafford County. Northbound traffic was forced to exit at Exit 126 (Spotsylvania).
“Expect major travel delays to continue on I-95, Route 1, and connecting routes as congestion clears in the Fredericksburg area,” VDOT said in an update at 1:47 p.m., after confirming all lanes had reopened.
Earlier in the day, VDOT warned drivers to avoid I-95 altogether as crews worked to “cut lines to reopen lanes.”
Traffic congestion was reported stretching south of Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) and north of Exit 118 (Thornburg) as all highway traffic was pushed onto Route 1 and secondary roads.
Traffic signal timing was adjusted along Route 1 to help manage overflow, but “major delays were anticipated regionwide,” according to transportation officials.
Photos from traffic cameras and the scene showed dozens of trucks and cars sitting bumper to bumper in fog and rain while utility crews worked to clear the hazard.
Lanes reopened at around 1:45 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
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