CHARLESTON, WV – Officials with the West Virginia Division of Highways are meeting with stakeholders to plan the upcoming deck replacement on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge on Interstate 64. One of the most heavily traveled bridges in West Virginia, the Eugene Carter Bridge carries approximately 100,000 vehicles a day across the Kanawha River in Charleston. Replacing the bridge deck on the 50-year-old structure with the minimum impact on traffic will be a mammoth undertaking. “Reconstruction of the Eugene Carter bridge is one of the most challenging projects the WVDOH has undertaken in many years,” said State Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh. ”In order to successfully complete the project in a safe and timely manner, we will need the cooperation of the traveling public, local governments, the contracting and engineering consulting industries, the local business community and importantly, public safety officials. Preparing for the reconstruction project will be an ongoing effort throughout 2026 and today we began this very important coordination process.”On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) engineers met with officials from the Federal Highway Association (FHWA), city of Charleston, and city of South Charleston to discuss the project timeline and impacts. The WVDOH also unveiled a public website, https://www.i64forthillbridge.com, explaining the scope of the project and timeline.The website will be continually updated as the project progresses. During a 10-month period between mid-January 2027 and early December 2027, the existing three lanes on I-64 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. This is the most efficient and economical method to replace the bridge deck, but the WVDOH recognizes that impacts to the traveling public will be significant.
“Our team is reviewing every aspect of this project to minimize the duration of the project while at the same time ensuring the safety of the men and women working on the roadway and the safety of the traveling public. We will be providing much more information as the year progresses and we look forward to the invaluable input of the community.” Rumbaugh said. During the month of February 2026, the WVDOH will also meet with first responders, elected officials, and business owners to discuss the upcoming project and get their input. The project is expected to be advertised for construction in March, with bids accepted in June. Beginning in August 2026, contractors will build two median crossovers east and west of the bridge that will be used by traffic during the deck replacement. Work will be done at night and on the weekends to minimize the impact on travelers. Work will be suspended from December 2026 through mid-January 2027 for the holiday season. Work to replace the deck will begin in earnest in mid-January 2027. Both eastbound and westbound traffic will initially be shifted onto the eastbound bridge to replace the decking on the westbound bridge. Once complete, traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge to replace the eastbound bridge deck. Contractors are expected to work six days a week, 20 hours a day, until work is complete. Deck replacement is expected to be complete by Wednesday, December 1, 2027, with financial incentives to the contractor for each day work is done prior to the completion date. Crossovers should be removed and other minor work completed by May 2028. |
