Oversize load driver strikes three bridges before police stop him at Virginia rest area

A truck driver hauling an oversize load struck three bridges before police finally tracked him down at a Virginia rest area off of Interstate 81. 

The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon, September 23rd along I-81 in Rockingham County, Virginia. 

According to WHSV3, 62-year-old truck driver John D. Duggins was hauling an oversize load along southbound I-81 when he struck three bridges in a row – The Route 704 overpass, the Route 867 overpass, and one more overpass officers did not specify but described as only “slightly struck.”

Police later found Duggins pulled over at a rest area in Augusta County. He is facing charges of misdemeanor property damage, violating maximum vehicle height, reckless driving, permit violation, and two counts of misdemeanor hit and run. 

Portions of Interstate 81 were closed on Tuesday night for inspection of the three bridges. As of 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning, southbound I-81 was open to traffic beneath each overpass. The Route 704 overpass and the Route 867 overpass will remain closed for “at least a couple of days,” for safety inspections according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.