The Virginia State Police received a call pertaining to a bomb threat for today in the Hampton Roads region, but the specified timeframe has passed.
Police spokesperson Deborah Cox said in a news release the threat was received at about 7:50 a.m. today. No incidents have been reported in the region. The state police has stepped up patrols in the region and began inspections on commercial vehicles on Interstate 64 and I-664. These inspections will continue throughout the day.
Virginia State Police officials have collaborated with federal and local law enforcement to evaluate the threat and to supplement patrol and inspection resources.
Cox encourages members of the public who observe any suspicious activity to report that to local or state law enforcement authorities.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is reporting severe congestion throughout the area due to the inspections. VDOT recommends motorists traveling to Richmond should use U.S. 460. A spokesperson also recommended the James River Bridge.
Backups from commercial vehicle inspections are as follows as of 1:30 p.m.:
- Traffic is backed up 5.5 miles on I-64 East at HRBT
- Traffic is backed up 8 miles on I-64 West at HRBT
- Traffic is backed up 6.3 miles on I-664 North at the Monitor-Merrimac
- Traffic is backed up 3.3 miles on I-664 South at the Monitor-Merrimac
