Tractor Trailer Accident on Interstate 81 at the Creeper Trail Bridge – August 1, 2015

Abingdon Fire was alerted at 08:26 to a tractor trailer accident in the south bound lane at the 17.6 mile marker. The trailer overturned as the tractor hit the bridge. Part of the guardrail and concrete showered the Creeper Trail below. No injuries reported to the two occupants in the truck or to anyone on the trail. The truck took all the guard railing off the bridge. The passing lane was littered with parts from the truck and diesel from the fuel tanks. Fire units cleaned the roadway and directed traffic around the accident. The truck was hauling a mixed cargo consisting of cleaning supplies and other items. Abingdon Fire Engine 201, Utility 207, and Command 210 responded along with Washington County Life Saving Crew Units 50 and 58, VA State Police, and Washington County Sheriffs’ Department. All units cleared at 12:20, but Apache Wrecker Service remained on the scene offloading the contents of the trailer. VDOT also remained on scene for traffic direction and damage assessment to the bridge. A lot of the southbound traffic rerouted thru Abingdon and Lee Highway the rest of Saturday.