A dozen bridge projects get underway in Charleston metro area this year

​

The projects are part of a program to revamp or replace about 50 bridges in the Kanawha Valley over the next five years.

"The Charleston Metro bridge program demonstrates the West Virginia Department of Transportation's commitment to preserving the existing highway infrastructure at a satisfactory level," said state Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh, P.E. "This program is part of a fiscally responsible, data-driven approach for project selection that will improve highways and bridges throughout the state of West Virginia."

Work is already underway or starting this spring on the Montrose Drive Bridge over Interstate 64; Stadium Place Bridge, Greenbrier Street Underpass Bridge, Greenbrier Street Bridge, and Booker T. Washington Bridge on Interstate 64/77; US Army SSG Hobert G. Underwood Memorial Bridge on I-77; and four bridges at the Interstate 79/I-77 split.

Work is expected to begin this summer on three bridges just north of Charleston on I-79; the US Army PFC Teddy Ray Chandler Memorial Bridge and Wertz Avenue Overpass Bridge just south of town on I-77; and the Capitol Connector project on Kanawha Boulevard.

Work on a redecking project on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge (Fort Hill Bridge) is expected to start this fall, along with work on the Central Avenue Bridge in South Charleston.

Also this spring and summer, repaving is expected to start on I-77 from Charleston to Kenna, and on I-79 from Charleston to Big Chimney.

With so many projects planned in a fairly small area, it was vital for WVDOT engineers and contractors to minimize traffic impacts on the public. Project start and completion times have been carefully staggered so there aren't multiple projects under construction simultaneously.

"Safety is our top priority and communication is an essential tool in ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the men and women who maintain and build our highways," Rumbaugh said. "As this program progresses, we will continue our efforts to provide timely information to remind everyone to slow down and be cautious when they encounter work zones."

To help keep the public informed on the massive bridge and road program, a website has been created with constantly updated details about the projects.

Visitors to the website can explore:

• An overview of the Charleston Metro Projects program and its goals

• An interactive project map with location-specific details

• Information on the type of repairs or replacements planned at each site

• Expected construction schedules and anticipated timelines

• Traffic management plans, including detours, where necessary

• Resources for real-time travel information during construction

"Safety is our top priority, and communication is an essential tool in ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the men and women who maintain and build our highways," Rumbaugh said. "As this program progresses, we will continue our efforts to provide timely information to remind everyone to slow down and be cautious when they encounter work zones."

Remember, that website can be found at https://projects.charlestonmetroprojects.com.​