Tractor-Trailer Crash Closes Southbound Lanes on Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Drivers urged to avoid area and seek alternate routes as crews work to clear the scene.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A tractor-trailer crash has closed all southbound lanes of U.S. 13 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Motorists should expect significant delays as crews work to clear the scene, and no estimated time for reopening has been released.

Why it matters

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a critical transportation link connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore to the Virginia Beach and Norfolk metropolitan areas. A full closure of the southbound lanes will cause major disruptions and delays for drivers traveling to and from the Virginia Beach region.

The details

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the tractor-trailer crash occurred on the southbound span of the bridge-tunnel in Northampton County, prompting a full closure of southbound traffic. Northbound lanes remain open at this time, but drivers traveling toward Virginia Beach are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

  • The crash occurred on Sunday morning, February 15, 2026.

The players

Virginia Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and overseeing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

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What’s next

No estimated time for reopening the southbound lanes has been released, and officials have not provided additional details on the severity of the crash or any injuries.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel as a critical transportation link and the need for reliable infrastructure to support the region's economy and mobility.