The Virginia State Police investigated a motor vehicle crash involving a commercial motor vehicle that occurred on U.S. 17 in Middlesex County on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by Calvin J. Woodward of Brandywine, Md., was traveling northbound on U.S. 17 when the big rig ran off the roadway, struck the guardrail protecting the bridge, and then collided with the concrete bridge structure. The impact caused significant damage to the bridge, including the concrete support pillars along side of the bridge, the VSP reported.
As a result of the crash, U.S. 17 northbound was restricted to a single travel lane. Traffic is able to safely pass the scene using the left lane; however motorists should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the area.
Due to the extent of the damage, U.S. 17 will remain under one lane restrictions for several days while the Virginia Department of Transportation engineers access and repair the damage.
Woodward has been charged with failure to obey highway sign.
