All Lanes Of Route 1 Closed During Stafford Package Investigation

STAFFORD, VA — A suspicious package investigation has prompted the evacuation of an area near Joy of Living Water Church and the closure of all lanes of Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) in Stafford County Tuesday, authorities said.

In a social media post at 11:16 a.m., the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said there was a large police presence at Joy of Living Water Church on Richmond Highway as deputies investigated a suspicious package. Officials said the immediate area around the church had been evacuated.

The Sheriff's Office later announced that Route 1 had been shut down at the intersection of Tracey Street and Merryview Drive for what it described as an extended period, with traffic being detoured via Telegraph Road.

The Virginia Department of Transportation subsequently reported that all northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. Route 1 near Telegraph Road (Route 637) were closed because of the police activity. VDOT advised motorists to expect delays and follow directions from law enforcement officers. The traffic alert was last updated at 11:56 a.m.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and urged the public to avoid the area.

All Lanes Closed

According to VDOT, both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 1 are closed near Telegraph Road while deputies investigate the incident.

The Sheriff's Office said additional information will be released through its Facebook page and X account as it becomes available.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.