ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A multi-vehicle crash has closed several lanes of the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway early Wednesday morning. The crash was reported in the southbound lanes before the Eisenhower Avenue Connector (Exit 174) in Alexandria Virginia.
Traffic officials have not yet offered details about the crash, but said three left travel lanes were blocked just before 6:30 a.m. Three right lanes are open, but delays remain, beginning in Maryland before MD-210.
By 7 a.m., all lanes have reopened, but lingering delays remain.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities say at least one person is injured, but have not yet offered details about the severity of those injuries.
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes and expect delays while the investigation is underway and the crash is cleared. It is not known how long lanes will be closed in the area.
Wet conditions remain as rainy weather moves out of the region. It is not known if this crash was weather-related
This crash comes as Americans are hitting the road for the Thanksgiving holiday.
While holiday travel is still below pre-pandemic levels, AAA expects more than 1 million more people to fly for the holiday compared to 2022, and 830,000 more people on the road this year.
"For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022," said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. "Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones."
AAA expects 49.13 million people driving 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which they identify as being the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after.
This is a developing story. We are working to gather additional details. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest updates as they come in to our newsroom.