One Dead as Tractor Trailers Collide on West Norfolk Bridge in Portsmouth

Tractor trailer accidents are among the most serious types of crashes we see in Hampton Roads. I was saddened to read about a crash involving two big rigs that left one person dead this morning on the West Norfolk Bridge in Portsmouth. Police are diverting traffic to West Norfolk Road.

Police reported commuters travelling east from West Norfolk Road on Highway 164/West Norfolk Bridge were asked to find an alternate route hours after the serious wreck.

WAVY.com reported Misty Holley with Portsmouth Police said the accident involved two tractor-trailers around 8:50 a.m. during the morning commute. When police officers arrived on scene, they found an accident victim with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second big rig was taken to the hospital with injuries police say are not life-threatening.

The impact of the crash led a light pole to fall into the water, according to Virginia Department of Transportation. An overhead sign structure was also hit and damaged. A crane was called to the site to remove the overhead sign structure, which will keep the roadway closed for several more hours, WAVY reported. VDOT said the bridge structure itself did not sustain any damage.

Police have set up a detour for drivers to exit at West Norfolk Road. Take West Norfolk Road, make a left onto Cedar Lane. They should then turn left onto High Street as the alternate route to the Midtown Tunnel, Downtown Tunnel and Downtown Portsmouth. Travelers can expect delays in this area.

Few details are available about this crash. The Portsmouth Police Department’s Strategic Traffic Unit Crash Reconstruction Team members are still investigating the cause of this accident.

My thoughts go out to the family of the victim of this crash. We often think of the drivers and passengers of cars being most seriously hurt in trucking accidents, but other truck drivers are also vulnerable. If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident, call me for a free consultation at 757.455.0077.