Update: Southbound Veterans Expressway Lane Closed at Gunn Highway

Update Nov. 20, 5:12 p.m.: The man killed in Thursday’s crash has been identified as Mark Steven Whitney, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. One southbound lane is now open near the accident scene.

Update Nov. 20, 4:30 p.m.: The inside southbound lane is now open, but the outside lane will remain closed for several more hours for repairs.

Earlier:

The Florida Highway Patrol is asking motorists to avoid the area of the Veterans Expressway and Gunn Highway following a fatal Thursday afternoon crash.

According to the patrol, an accident occurred around 1:15 p.m. when a 2014 Chevrolet pickup driven by a 58-year-old New Port Richey man was heading southbound on the Gunn Highway overpass. The truck traveled onto the shoulder and crashed into an attenuator that was in place as part of the ongoing construction project.

The man, who has not yet been identified, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from his truck and suffered fatal injuries.

The patrol expects the southbound lanes to remain closed until around 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol