White substance on street in Alexandria closes road, still under investigation

A line is down and taped off at the corner of Jefferson and S. Lee Streets in Old Town Alexandria, Va, Sunday, August 28, 2011. As Hurricane Irene makes her exit from the region and points northbound along the Atlantic … A line is down and taped … more > - The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 21, 2026 The Alexandria Fire Department responded Monday morning to a report of an unknown white powder substance on the 5300 block of Duke Street. Tests determined the material was corrosive, but the exact substance was not identified and still remains under investigation. Alexandria Police closed westbound Duke Street between South Pickett Street and North Paxton Street shortly after the discovery. Motorists were alerted at 8:36 a.m. to avoid the area and expect delays. By 10:34 a.m., one westbound lane had reopened as crews finished cleaning the roadway. The Alexandria Fire Department confirmed at 5:12 p.m. that the scene was fully cleared and Duke Street reopened to traffic in both directions. No injuries were reported. Story Topics Latest Video