A fuel spill closed all westbound lanes on Interstate 64 in York County, near Williamsburg, causing a four-mile backup Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred near Mile Marker 240, on Queens Creek Bridge, said Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sadler.
A flatbed truck lost an axle causing it to veer into the guardrail on the bridge. The impact damaged the guardrail and caused the truck’s fuel tanks to rupture, Sadler said. About 65 gallons of diesel fuel covered almost the entire bridge, and about a quart of fuel leaked into Queen’s Creek. The fuel in the creek evaporated with the sun, or dissipated with the tide’s regular movement, Sadler said.
5:20 pm, Final update.: All travel lanes open on I-64 westbound in York County, no backups remain.
3:25 pm.. update:
One traffic lane is open on I-64 west after a single vehicle accident caused several gallons of motor oil to spill onto Queens Lake Bridge on Thursday, said Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police.
3:00 p.m. update:
Traffic is delayed 3 miles on Interest 64 west in York County.
2:00 p.m. update:
A fuel spill has closed all westbound lanes on I-64 in York County, near Williamsburg, causing a 4-mile backup Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred near mile marker 240, on the Queens Creek Bridge, said the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.
A truck blew a tire causing it to veer into the guardrail on the Queens Road overpass. The impact damaged the guardrail and caused the truck’s fuel tanks to rupture, said Assistant Fire Chief Chris Sadler.
Fuel covered almost the entire bridge, and a small amount leaked into Queen’s Creek. The fuel is expected to evaporate this afternoon when direct sunlight hits the creek, although a clean up crew is on its way to the scene, Sadler said. The truck has been removed from the bridge.
The fire department does not anticipate environmental concerns due to the leak, although the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Hazmat crews are on the scene, Sadler said.
The truck driver suffered a minor injury and was transferred to a local hospital, Sadler said.
First responders from York County Fire and Life Safety and the Virginia State Police on the scene, Sadler said.
This post will update continuously.
