UPDATE: The work zone is clear and lanes have reopened, according to VDOT.
RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Two lanes of Interstate 95 south near the Lombardy Street exit (mile marker 77) in downtown Richmond are closed after VDOT said a bus hit a piece of loose sheet metal on the interstate. VDOT closed the lanes to fix the roadway.
“It’s always a mess up there,” driver Jerry Worsham said. “Everyday you turn the news on, it’s backed up for some apparent reason; an 18-wheeler, or this or that.”
Dawn Eischen with VDOT telling reporter Jerrita Patterson, a small piece from a temporary steel plate was knocked loose. The traffic tie-up left many drivers frustrated it happened during peak time.
"Where's the break? When can all this stop?" asked Worsham. "They have been working on this for a good little while."
VDOT said they are looking at ways to prevent a similar situation for happening yet again, as bridge work continues. Where the steel plate was located was supposed to be filled with concrete, but because of the recent rain workers were unable to make it happen.
"Traffic is going to be what it is," driver Bill Mosso said. "You just have to deal with it and make sure everyone's safe."
"The right lane will be closed from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (Thursday) so crews can repair the roadway. The center lane will remain closed. Only the left lane will be open to traffic," VDOT wrote in an email.
VDOT suggested using I-195/Downtown Expressway as an alternate route.
