Morning Briefing: Traffic Hazards, Bridge-Tunnel Tragedy, and Teen Crash in Chesapeake
Chesapeake, VA – February 18, 2026 – Traffic hazards, a deadly bridge-tunnel crash, and a teen-injury wreck lead local safety headlines across the city.
Chesapeake Daily Briefing
Cables Strike Vehicles on I-64 Near Greenbrier
Drivers on I-64 near Greenbrier Parkway dealt with major backups this week after a truck hauling an excavator hit overhead cables in a construction zone. The impact caused the cables to sag into live lanes, where several vehicles then struck the hanging lines.
State police and transportation crews kept portions of the westbound side restricted for hours while they cleared the scene and inspected the area. At one point, only one regular lane and one local lane remained open, leading to long delays through the Greenbrier corridor.
Officials say the incident remains under investigation, but it serves as a reminder to slow down and stay alert around highway work zones, especially when large equipment is involved.
Truck Driver Killed in Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Crash
Regional truckers are mourning the loss of 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews, a commercial driver whose tractor-trailer went over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel early Sunday morning. Investigators say the southbound truck broke through the guardrail near the North Channel Bridge and plunged into the water below.
Dive teams and a large crane worked through the day and into the night to recover the vehicle and Andrews’ body. Bridge-Tunnel police continue to investigate what caused the single-vehicle crash, but officials have said that weather does not appear to be a factor.
The deadly wreck has renewed attention on the unique risks of the 17-mile crossing, where high-sided trucks must contend with wind, narrow lanes, and limited shoulders.
Two Teens Hurt in Centerville Turnpike Crash
Closer to home, two teenage girls were injured in a weekend crash along Centerville Turnpike South near Mount Pleasant Road. Emergency crews were called to the busy commercial stretch after a collision near a fast-food restaurant.
Medics treated the 13- and 14-year-old girls for head and shoulder pain at the scene and managed traffic while police documented the wreck. Details on how many vehicles were involved and what led up to the crash have not yet been released.
Neighbors say the corridor sees heavy traffic and frequent turning movements in and out of businesses, making it an area where drivers need to be especially cautious.
What Residents Should Know
Between the I-64 cable strike, the bridge-tunnel tragedy, and the Centerville crash, roadway safety is front and center for Chesapeake this week. Drivers are urged to give extra space around commercial trucks, watch for sudden slowdowns near work zones, and reduce speed in busy business corridors.
Sources
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hanging-cables-struck-multiple-vehicles-201834087.html
- https://www.witn.com/2026/02/16/robersonville-driver-killed-chesapeake-bay-bridge-tunnel-crash/
- https://localaccidentreports.com/chesapeake-va-2-teens-injured-in-crash-on-centerville-tpke-s/
- https://mikegrossman.blog/ronnie-andrews-accident-cape-charles-va/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginiaBeach/comments/1r6i7ah/london_bridge_exit_vb_blvd/
