Va. 495 accident causes severe delays

5:20 P.M. UPDATE: 495 is becoming even more difficult to navigate this afternoon. An accident on on the inner loop after Connecticut Avenue has left debris covering the left lane and traffic is swerving to avoid the fragments. Use caution in the area.

5:05 P.M. UPDATE: According to the Virginia State Police, a piece of machinery being transported by a tractor-trailer struck an overhead highway sign about 1:35 p.m. north of Exit 47. A separate vehicle was struck by the sign, but no one was inujured, officials said.

Police and the Virgnia Department of Transportation are on the scene, but two southbound lanes remain closed until VDOT can repair the sign and signpost.

4:30 P.M. UPDATE: On the Beltway, delays extend to New Hampshire Avenue. Delays on southbound 270 now extend to Montrose Road.

Original post: Transportation officials warned Friday that a multi-vehicle accident on the outerloop of the Beltway at Route 123 in Northern Virginia will cause serious delays during the evening rush hour.

Two of four lanes are currently closed. The traffic slowdown extends back to Connecticut Avenue. The delays are also causing backups on the I-270 Spur.