A tractor-trailer crash with at least one other vehicle sparked a massive explosion and fire Thursday morning, fully closing Interstate 95 southbound near Centerport Parkway in Stafford County.
The crash occurred just past the Ramoth Church Road bridge in the southbound lanes, with the tractor-trailer exploding on the right shoulder of the highway. Thick smoke and flames were visible from the scene, according to exclusive video obtained by Potomac Local News.
Key Takeaways
Date, time, place: Ongoing through the weekend across Northern Virginia, including Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
“Staying off the roads will also provide space for crews removing snow today on primary roads and high-volume secondary roads,” the agency added. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
VDOT crews are actively working around the clock to plow and treat roads after a winter storm left many low-volume secondary roads snow-covered and icy. Interstates and major routes are priority for snow and ice removal before crews shift focus to smaller secondary and residential roads. Drivers should check 511Virginia for current road conditions before traveling. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
“Give us some time — we will get to you. Until then, stay off the roads, NOVA,” the VDOT NOVA District stated.
Prince William County shared the message as winter weather impacts road conditions throughout Northern Virginia. Officials are asking drivers to avoid travel while crews work to clear primary and secondary roads in Prince William County and neighboring jurisdictions.
“Limited parking spaces will be available for ridesharing starting this weekend in two Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Park and Ride lots in the Fredericksburg area due to winter weather operations,” VDOT announced. “The number of available parking spaces will be significantly reduced.”
“Parking is anticipated to remain limited into next week, depending on the status of snow removal operations,” the agency added. “No vehicles remaining in the lot will be removed as part of this storm event.”
Additional work continues in Stafford County on Route 1 at Telegraph Road and Woodstock Lane, where crews are realigning the intersection, adding turn lanes, installing new traffic signals, and placing a concrete median to restrict turning movements. Separate construction is also underway at the Route 1 and Courthouse Road intersection to widen the highway to four lanes with a concrete median, add sidewalks and crosswalks, and improve access at Bells Hill Road and Hope Road. These locally administered projects are expected to be completed between fall 2026 and summer 2027.
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Rock Hill Church Road is back open to traffic ahead of schedule after crews completed tree removal work at Aquia Creek in Stafford County.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced the reopening at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19. The road had been scheduled to remain closed through Monday, December 22, as part of preparations for a bridge replacement project set to begin in summer 2026.
“VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle charging stations and more,” VDOT stated.
The lane-closure pause is intended to reduce congestion during peak holiday travel periods across the Commonwealth. VDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead using its 511 travel tools, which include real-time traffic updates, holiday travel trend maps, and hands-free phone alerts. Motorists in Northern Virginia can also check express lane schedules online, while travelers in Hampton Roads are advised to consider alternate routes due to ongoing tunnel construction and extended delays expected at the Route 17 George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge during bridge openings.
“The study team sought public input regarding corridor priorities during the previous round of public involvement earlier this year,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported. “This feedback was used to help develop improvement alternatives that are being evaluated and presented during this round of public involvement.”
The study evaluates potential safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along a five-mile section of Hoadly Road between Dumfries Road and Prince William Parkway, where traffic volumes range from 12,000 to 25,000 vehicles daily. Proposed alternatives apply to multiple intersections along the corridor, including Dumfries Road, Purcell Road/Dale Boulevard, and Prince William Parkway, as well as corridor-wide enhancements. Public comments are being accepted through December 15 via online survey, email, or mail.
