Bridge and Lane Closures on I-81 After Oversized Load Damages Overpasses
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police have charged the driver of a truck that struck multiple overpasses while hauling an oversized load on Interstate 81.
The incidents occurred Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
The driver, John D. Duggins, 62, of Stuarts Draft, faces charges of misdemeanor property damage, reckless driving, two counts of misdemeanor hit-and-run, violating maximum vehicle height, and a permit violation.
At approximately 4:14 p.m., the oversized load struck overpasses at the 241.5- and 239.5-mile markers on I-81 southbound. The truck continued south before being located at a rest area in Augusta County.
This evening, VDOT’s Staunton District Office released the following statement:
Two bridges over Interstate 81 in Rockingham County and the right lane of southbound I-81 remain closed until at least Wednesday morning, September 24. The bridge and lane closures are for detailed inspections and possible repairs due to damage from being struck by a tractor trailer hauling an oversized load on the interstate.
The incident took place about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) overpass near I-81 mile marker 241.5, and the Route 867 (North River Road) overpass near mile marker 239.5. A third bridge was lightly struck but sustained no significant damage.
Routes 704 and 867 will not reopen until the Virginia Department of Transportation determines that they are safe for vehicle traffic.
The crashes remain under investigation.