Virginia State Police are searching for a dump truck that reportedly crashed into an overhead sign on I-95 in Springfield and bolted.
Troopers were dispatched to northbound I-95 at 12:18 p.m. today (Thursday) after getting a report of debris near the 168-mile marker, which is just south of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway interchange, according to the VSP.
A preliminary investigation determined that the debris came from overhead highway signs that were hit by a dump truck traveling north in the left lane with its dump bed “fully raised.”
“The impact of the crash caused significant damage to the overhead signs and a large amount of debris to fall into the three right travel lanes,” state police said.
Video shared by public safety watcher Dave Statter shows people dragging debris out of the middle two lanes while traffic continues moving in the outer lanes.
NEW: Here 🔽🔽 are the large pieces of the support structure around the overhead sign that were apparently struck and fell on I-95N north of the Fairfax County Parkway just after noon. Extensive delays continue as @VaDOT inspects and repairs the sign. Video recorded by… pic.twitter.com/bvF5Elq4bl
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) July 11, 2024
The interstate’s three right northbound lanes have been closed, leaving just one lane on the left side for traffic to get through, a Virginia Department of Transportation spokesperson says. As of 3 p.m., traffic was backed up for about 11 miles, per VDOT’s traffic cameras.
The VSP is seeking the public’s help to identify the dump truck, though a provided screenshot of a video that captured the collision is too pixelated to make out the license plate. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 804-750-8798 or questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. According to VDOT, it has inspectors at the scene to determine how crews will be able to safely repair the signage and support structure.
“The outcome of the inspection will dictate next steps, which will dictate timelines,” the VDOT spokesperson said.
