Traffic
Virginia Traffic Alert: Tar Spill Shuts I-95 South Near Chesterfield Nov. 9
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A truck carrying tar overturned on Interstate 95 early Monday, spilling its load across the highway and shutting down all southbound lanes near Chesterfield as crews worked
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-11-09T12:27:40.537Z
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A truck carrying tar overturned on Interstate 95 early Monday, spilling its load across the highway and shutting down all southbound lanes near Chesterfield as crews worked to clear the scene.
Virginia State Police said the two vehicle crash happened at approximately 4:55 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, on I 95 southbound near Ruffin Mill Road, Exit 58.
The preliminary investigation indicates a sedan was attempting to change lanes when it struck the truck transporting tar. The impact caused the truck to overturn, sending tar onto the interstate.
Both drivers were transported to an area hospital with injuries described by state police as non life threatening.
The crash quickly became a significant Monday morning traffic problem.
VDOT Richmond reported shortly after 6 a.m. that all southbound lanes of I 95 were closed near the crash scene and traffic was being diverted at Exit 58. Drivers were urged to seek alternate routes, with Interstate 295 suggested when possible.
Earlier in the response, VDOT had reported the right and center southbound lanes closed around mile marker 57.9 near Woods Edge Road. The closure was later expanded as crews dealt with the overturned truck and material spilled across the roadway.
The incident is south of the Richmond metropolitan area along one of Virginia's busiest north south travel corridors, meaning delays can quickly build when multiple interstate lanes are blocked.
Motorists traveling south through Chesterfield County Monday morning should allow additional travel time and avoid the affected stretch of I 95 when possible.
Drivers approaching the area from Richmond may want to consider I 295 and other alternate routes depending on their destination.
There was no immediate estimate provided for when the interstate would fully reopen.
Virginia State Police said the crash remains under investigation.
Motorists should check current Virginia Department of Transportation traffic information before traveling through the Chesterfield area because lane closures and detours may change as cleanup work progresses.