CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia transportation officials say they are taking immediate steps to improve safety around the Interstate 77/Interstate 64 split in Charleston following a series of recent crashes, including a fatal incident on Friday, August 21.
State Transportation Secretary Stephen Todd Rumbaugh said WVDOH engineers have already been developing a project to install high‑friction surface treatment on several elevated portions of the interstate. The treatment is designed to improve traction and reduce the likelihood of vehicles leaving the roadway. Rumbaugh said the upgrades are expected to be installed later this fall.
The agency is also working closely with the Charleston Police Department to monitor crash activity in the area and determine whether additional safety measures are needed as investigations continue.
Rumbaugh emphasized that roadway safety depends on multiple factors, including engineering, driver behavior, vehicle condition, and emergency response. “None is more important than the others,” he said.
He urged drivers to do their part by following posted speed limits, buckling up, and avoiding impaired or distracted driving.
“It takes all of us to prevent tragedies on our roadways; you do your part and we will keep working hard to do ours,” Rumbaugh said.
