DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. -- Traffic was backed up for at least five miles after authorities said a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) contractor was struck by a vehicle on I-85 south in Dinwiddie County Friday afternoon.
Sgt. Keeli L. Hill with Virginia State Police said troopers were called to I-85 south of Squirrel Level Road exit just before 4:30 p.m.
"It has been confirmed that a VDOT contractor employed by DBI services was struck by a vehicle while working in an active work zone repairing guardrails on the left shoulder," Hill said.
Hill said the victim was medflighted to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
VDOT officials released the following statement about the crash:
“We’re disappointed and saddened to learn of yet another crash involving a contract worker in an active work zone. We’re focused on the worker’s well-being and will work closely with law enforcement to determine the cause of this crash. Safety is now and will continue to be VDOT’s top priority.”
I-85
Father killed working on I-95 in February
News of this crash comes after a VDOT contractor was struck and killed while working along I-95 in Prince George County on Feb. 3.
That is when 25-year-old Dustin Michael Warden, of Carson, Virginia, was struck while he was out of his vehicle setting up a shoulder closure.
Warden died at the scene, officials said.
Troopers said Samantha C. Hughes, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was traveling southbound when she "looked down and took her eyes off the road."
Hughes, who was not injured, was charged with reckless driving.
Traffic backup
As of 5:30 p.m., VDOT officials said the interstate's left lane was closed and that traffic was backed up for five miles.
All lanes had reopened by 6 p.m. and the backup was clear.
Officials are investigating what caused the crash.
No additional details were available at last check and there has been no word on the circumstances that led to the crash.
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