A major accident on Interstate 64 near the I-295 split in Henrico County caused significant delays and traffic disruptions on Thursday morning. The accident involved a tractor-trailer whose raised bed slammed into an overhead sign, shutting down the busy highway for over seven hours and causing extensive backups.
Accident Details
The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. when the semi, traveling westbound, struck the overhead sign near mile marker 200. The impact caused the trailer to separate from the cab, leaving it leaning against the sign. Authorities immediately closed I-64 westbound, diverting traffic at Exit 205. By midday, the backup stretched for six miles, and drivers were advised to find alternate routes until the interstate’s left lane reopened at approximately 4:45 p.m.
Virginia State Police, who responded to the scene, are still investigating the incident. They reported that the truck had stopped at a nearby weigh station, which is equipped with cameras, just prior to the accident. Officials are unsure why the bed was raised or how long it remained elevated before the collision.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the driver, a 62-year-old man, was charged with reckless driving.
Response and Cleanup
Crews worked diligently to dislodge the truck bed from the sign, beginning the cleanup process shortly after 11 a.m. The operation required several hours as the team worked to safely remove the debris and ensure the road could reopen. In the meantime, cars stuck behind the accident were instructed to turn around and head eastbound on a section of the highway to escape the traffic jam. The closure and redirection caused significant delays for other drivers, some of whom reported seeing the damage and commenting on the severity of the situation.
Local driver Ian Foster noted the "terrible damage" to the sign and mentioned that the backup was one of the worst he’d seen in years. Though inconvenienced, many drivers expressed relief that no one was hurt, a sentiment echoed by officials on the scene.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in this Virginia trucking accident, seek legal assistance to protect your rights. Contact the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers at 866-500-6024 to discuss your case and explore your options.