Two bridges over Interstate 81 have reopened to vehicles after an inspection determined they are safe for travel.
Each of the Rockingham County bridges sustained damage from a tractor trailer carrying an oversized load on Tuesday at approximately 4:15 p.m.
The truck also struck a third bridge, Va. 775 (Buttermilk Road) but it only received minor damage.
After the bridges were hit, the suspect truck continued on I-81 southbound until it stopped at the Mount Sidney rest area.
The driver of the truck, John D. Duggins, 62, of Stuarts Draft, was charged with misdemeanor property damage, violating maximum vehicle height, reckless driving, two misdemeanor hit and run counts and a permit violation, according to Virginia State Police.
ICYMI
- Road closures in place after truck with oversized load strikes three I-81 bridges
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The Virginia Department of Transportation reports that the two Rockingham County bridges near Mount Crawford will be repaired in coming weeks.
The two bridges, Va. 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) and Va. 867 (North River Road), had damage to the underside of their concrete girders. However, inspectors found that the structural capacity of the girders continues to exceed safety requirements.
The work will require overnight single-lane closures on southbound 81, according to VDOT.
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Crystal Graham
