Part of Route 17 narrows in Middlesex County after crash damages bridge

Sep 11, 2025 - 16:25

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Part of Route 17 narrows in Middlesex County after crash damages bridge

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Part of Route 17 North has been narrowed down to a single lane after a crash damaged a bridge in Middlesex County.

Police said the crash occurred at 8:04 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, on Route 17 near Tidewater Trail in Middlesex County.

According to Virginia State Police, a preliminary investigation has revealed that Calvin J. Woodward of the Brandywine area in Prince George's County, Md. was driving a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia north on Route 17.

Police said Woodward ran off the road, hit the guardrail protecting the bridge and then collided with the concrete bridge structure.

The impact reportedly caused "significant damage" to the bridge, including the concrete support pillars alongside the bridge.

(Photo: Virginia State Police)

As a result of the crash, police said Route 17 North has narrowed down to a single lane. Vehicles are able to safely pass the scene using the left lane, but drivers should expect delays and use caution when driving through the area.

Due to the extent of the damage, officials said Route 17 will continue to use only one lane for several days while Virginia Department of Transportation engineers access and repair the damage.

Police said Woodward was charged with failure to obey a highway sign.