UPDATE: Interstate 95 and the Belvidere Street overpass have been reopened.
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A tanker truck fire on Interstate 95 in Richmond caused all lanes, as well as the Belvidere Street overpass, to be closed for several hours Wednesday, Nov. 2.
According to the Richmond Police Department, a tanker truck on the interstate was involved in a crash under the Belvidere Street overpass and caught fire. The fire has since been extinguished.
The driver of the truck died, according to police.
The following areas were closed, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Richmond Police Department:
- All lanes of I-95 in Richmond
- On-ramps to the interstate in Richmond
- Belvidere Street between Leigh and Mitchell streets
All lanes of I-95 south and the left lane of I-95 north near the Chamberlayne Avenue exit were expected to remain closed through the evening, according to the Virginia State Police. Police said Belvidere Street between West Leigh Street and Mitchell Street would also remain closed until inspectors determine that the bridge is safe for travel.
Traffic on I-95 south was diverted to Exit 79, I-64 west and I-195 south, according to Virginia State Police.
Crews are expected to complete emergency pavement work on I-95 south on Wednesday, Nov. 2, and alternating double-lane closures will be in place.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.
The Richmond Police Department, Virginia State Police and the Richmond Fire Department all responded to the scene.
For real-time traffic information and highway cameras, visit 511Virginia.org.
