UPDATE: VDOT reports all lane have been re-opened. Traffic cams show northbound lanes once again proceding at normal speeds through the downtown and Towers areas.
PREVIOUS: Major traffic backups are developing this afternoon on Interstate 581 in downtown Roanoke. VDOT reports an accident near the Berglund Center has all three northbound lanes blocked. VDOT’s 511 web site says northbound traffic is being diverted off the highway and onto exit ramp onto Orange Avenue. A caller tells us at least one vehicle is overturned, and clothing and shoes were visible on the roadway. VDOT cams show northbound traffic at a crawl by Elm Avenue, and Google Maps shows slowdowns beginning well before Elm.
