MIDDLESEX COUNTY, Va. – Virginia State Police is investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a commercial motor vehicle that occurred on Route 17 (near Tidewater Trail) in Middlesex County.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by Calvin J. Woodward of Brandywine, Maryland, was traveling northbound on Route 17 when he 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.
As a result of the crash, Route 17 northbound is currently restricted to a single travel lane. Traffic is able to safely pass the scene using the left lane; however motorist should expect delays and use caution when traveling through the area.
Due to the extent of the damage, Route 17 will remain under one lane restrictions for several days while the Virginia Department of Transportation engineers access and repair the damage.
Woodard has been charged with failure to obey highway sign.
