West Virginia Department of Transportation awards innovative contract for Fort Hill bridge project

Contract sets important standards for public safety and travel during construction

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The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) today announced that Triton Construction Inc. was awarded a contract for $74,500,000 to complete the Interstate 64 Fort Hill Truss Bridge rehabilitation project.

Built in 1975, the iconic I-64 Fort Hill Bridge, also known as the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge, carries approximately 100,000 vehicles a day over the Kanawha River. This important link serves not only as a major east-west corridor to move interstate traffic from Missouri to Virginia, but also supports daily commuters traveling in and out of the capital city of Charleston.

"The WVDOT considers the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge Rehabilitation Project the top priority for the Charleston area and is working closely with our project partners to minimize the impact to the traveling public while also providing a safe work zone for the contractor," said state Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh.

Contract prioritizes public safety and timely completion

"The Fort Hill Bridge is one of the most heavily traveled structures in West Virginia, and this project is critical to preserving it for future generations," Rumbaugh continued. "Throughout construction, our focus will be on maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions for the thousands of motorists who rely on this bridge every day."

Rumbaugh said the WVDOT has already been in close contact with local first responders who are an integral part of the project team and are providing input on access for emergency responders during construction.

• Replacement of the bridge deck and barrier walls on the steel structure and the four ramps that provide access to the bridge.
• Repairs to the structural steel on the bridge's arch.
• Repair and painting of the concrete peers.
  

All construction activity is being carefully planned and coordinated to minimize traffic impacts to the public. Drivers will begin seeing some preliminary traffic pattern changes this fall with single lane closures being put into place during overnight and weekend hours. More significant travel pattern changes are not expected until early 2027.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted work zone guidance, and allow additional travel time when passing through active construction areas.

The WVDOT has resources available to help motorists stay informed and plan their drive during construction. The project website, available at https://www.i64forthillbridge.com/, offers access to up-to-date details about the project and the anticipated construction schedule. The Fort Hill Bridge website will be updated regularly as work progresses, providing a transparent and accessible source of information throughout the life of the project.

Real-time traffic conditions and travel updates are available through the state's WV 511 site at wv511.org or via the WV511 Drive Safe mobile app. Additional project information is available at https://www.i64forthillbridge.com/, or by scanning the following QR code: