West Virginia

[pianocello]

• Project details: https://ohioriverbridgecrossing.com/

I have no comment about the bridge itself, but I'm surprised and impressed that that URL was available, given all the bridge additions and replacements up and down the Ohio over the years.

[seicer]

Harpers Ferry - High Street Improvements Project

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) will hold a public informational meeting April 17, 2025 for the proposed project on High Street to improve pedestrian safety extending from Hog Alley to Public Way. The scope of work includes shifting the roadway alignment between Hog Alley and Public Way two feet to the south and widening the existing sidewalk equivalently.

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Shilling Bridge Replacement

The purpose of the project is to replace the existing Shilling Bridge which carries Overbrook Street over Little Wheeling Creek in the City of Wheeling and is located 0.20 mile north of the junction of I-70 in Ohio County. The existing bridge is owned by the City of Wheeling and built in 1970. The bridge is a simple tow-span concrete T-beam bridge approximately 102-feet long. The 2020 ADT was 2,470 VPD. The 2024 Bridge Inspection report determined that the bridge is in poor condition with concrete spalling on the T-beams and concrete cracking on the concrete piers and abutments.

The project includes replacing Shilling Bridge on existing location to include two 11-foot travel lanes, 2-foot shoulders, and a 6-foot wide sidewalk on the right side (downstream) of the bridge. A small amount of permanent right-of-way and temporary construction easement will be required. No residential or business relocations are required. The bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the duration of construction. Project construction is anticipated to take 18 months. Vehicular traffic will be detoured utilizing the National Road (US 40) and Lumber Avenue intersection located 0.6 miles northwest of the project location. This option will use a temporary signal at the intersection to allow for left hand turns, which is currently prohibited. Construction cost will be approximately $1,503,922.

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WVDOH provides update on northern panhandle bridge projects

MOUNDSVILLE, WV – The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is working on a series of bridge projects in District 6 (Tyler, Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties) aimed at improving the safety of the region's transportation infrastructure. The upgrades, totaling $91 million, include bridge replacements, renovations, and repairs across multiple counties.
Upcoming Bridge Projects in District 6:
Parrs Camp Bridge (Marshall County) – This bridge crosses Parrs Run on the US 250 Jefferson Avenue Extension in Moundsville. Replacement of this bridge, with a project cost of approximately $1.57 million, will enhance traffic flow for travelers in the area. The project is in the early construction phase, with preparations like setting the culvert taking place. This crucial step sets the foundation for the next phases, like assembling the bridge structure itself.

Playground Bridge (Ohio County) – A part of US 40 crossing Little Wheeling Creek in Valley Grove, this $3.10 million bridge replacement project will extend the life of this transportation route with a new bridge. The final quality assurance checklist is now in motion. All essential work is finished, and any remaining tasks are about making sure the new structure is up to standards.

Valley Grove Bridge (Ohio County) – This structure crosses McGraws Run at the intersection of US 40 and County Route 35 (McGraws Run Road) in Valley Grove. At a cost of just under $1.56 million, the bridge replacement will upgrade the structure to meet current safety standards. The project is in Phase 1, with crews relocating a water line and setting shoring. This is a preparatory phase. The relocation of utilities like water lines is an essential step before the physical bridge replacement begins.

Interstate 470 Bridge Approaches (Ohio County) – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge carries Interstate 470 over the Ohio River into Wheeling. The roughly  $49 million project will include renovations, including a deck overlay, and extensive cleaning and painting to reinforce this major interstate bridge. This is currently in Phase 1 as well; removing dams and painting, deck paving/repair will start shortly. The project is in the early phase, focusing on necessary preparatory work. These behind-the-scenes actions are crucial for ensuring the main bridgework progresses smoothly and safely.

Markley Lewis Bridge (Brooke County) - The span crosses Buffalo Creek near the intersection of WV 67 and County Route 67/2 (McCords Hill Road) near Wellsburg. This approximately $977,000 project focuses on rehabilitation and expansion joint replacement, ensuring the bridge remains safe for years to come. The project is essentially complete.The remaining task is paving the approaches to the bridge, which will finalize the project and make it fully operational.

Pratz Bridge (Brooke County) – This bridge also crosses Buffalo Creek near the intersection of WV 67 and County Route 67/10 (McCluney Drive) near Wellsburg. With a budget of a little over $631,000, this project focuses on expansion joint replacement, improving the overall structure and safety of the bridge. The project is almost finished, and only the final paving is left to complete the bridge.

Big Tribble Bridge (Marshall County) – Part of County Route 74 (Fish Creek Road), the bridge crosses Big Tribble Creek. This $3.6 million bridge replacement will enhance traffic flow and improve safety. The work is already completed, and the bridge is ready for use, ensuring a safer route for drivers.

Huff Bridge (Wetzel County) – On WV 7 crossing Little Fishing Creek, the $2.96 million bridge replacement project upgraded the bridge to ensure it continues to safely support traffic. This project has been completed successfully.

Cook Bridge (Wetzel County) – From Wallace Road crossing Little Fishing Creek as well, this $3.2 million project will replace the bridge. Deck pouring was just finished. While the deck pouring is done, the project isn't fully finished. The next steps involve finalizing the structural components.

Richard Snyder Memorial Bridge (Wetzel County) – A part of WV 2 toward the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, this structure is located on WV 7 over WV 2 in New Martinsville. The $8.3 million bridge replacement will be an upgrade to this infrastructure asset in Wetzel County. This project has not yet started. Although the project is still in the early stages, planning and preparation are underway. The work will begin once these steps are finalized.

Weirton Steel Overpass (Brooke County) – This span is on the old Weirton Steel yard near the intersection of WV 2 and WV 105 in Weirton. Estimated at $18 million, this project will remove and replace the existing overpass, transitioning to an on-grade roadway for improved traffic flow. This project is still in its planning and preparation phase. No physical work has been done yet, but it's essential to ensure everything is lined up for a successful project launch.

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The Weirton Steel Overpass is a long viaduct that was once surrounded by an integrated steel mill (GSV). It is not structurally deficient and has a sufficiency rating of 73.2. An at-grade roadway better supports the new industrial developments being built on the former Weirton Steel site.

[74/171FAN]

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

[hbelkins]

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

Good luck, I've been waiting for years for a response to my email about why the Big Chimney exit on I-79 is now signed for US 119 instead of WV 114.

[Bitmapped]

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

Good luck, I've been waiting for years for a response to my email about why the Big Chimney exit on I-79 is now signed for US 119 instead of WV 114.

It's done to avoid confusion for people going to the CRW airport and State Capitol Complex, who should stay on I-79 to I-77 and use its exit for WV 114.

[Rothman]

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

Good luck, I've been waiting for years for a response to my email about why the Big Chimney exit on I-79 is now signed for US 119 instead of WV 114.

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

Good luck, I've been waiting for years for a response to my email about why the Big Chimney exit on I-79 is now signed for US 119 instead of WV 114.

It's done to avoid confusion for people going to the CRW airport and State Capitol Complex, who should stay on I-79 to I-77.

Still seems to me that US 119 is the more traveled route.

[74/171FAN]

It probably should have been signed as "WV 114 to US 119" honestly.

[seicer]

Public meeting planned for proposed US 33 Ohio River crossing on Thursday, April 10, 2025

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) invite the public to a meeting regarding a proposed four-lane US 33 crossing of the Ohio River between Ohio and West Virginia.

The Existing Bridge

The two-lane William S. Ritchie, Jr. Bridge (Ravenswood Bridge) stretches across the Ohio River and connects Ravenswood, West Virginia and Meigs County, Ohio.

The US 33 approach roadway in Ohio is in direct alignment with the bridge. In West Virginia, traffic comes from an Interstate 77 interchange and then travels 2.3 miles on a four-lane roadway to a traffic light-controlled intersection. US 33 traffic then turns and travels 0.4 miles to an intersection with the bridge approach. A quadrant ramp then brings US 33 traffic to the bridge.

The Study

ODOT and consultants are currently studying alternatives to provide a four-lane US 33 crossing of the Ohio River between Ohio and West Virginia. US 33 is the direct route between Columbus, Ohio and Charleston, West Virginia and the southeastern U.S. via the connection with Interstate 77 at Ravenswood. Transport Ohio (Ohio's Freight Plan) places US 33 between Columbus and the Ohio River in the highest category of truck traffic growth (more than 500 additional trucks per day) for 2045.

ODOT is advancing a series of projects on the US 33 corridor between Columbus and the Ohio River to improve safety and efficiency. This includes a project starting in summer 2025 which will convert the last 25.6 miles of two-lane highway to four lanes between Columbus and the Ohio River. This conversion to four lanes is planned for Athens and Meigs Counties and will bring a four-lane highway to the foot of the William S. Ritchie, Jr. Bridge.

ODOT believes providing a four-lane US 33 crossing of the Ohio River between Ohio and West Virginia will improve safety and ensure this corridor is positioned for the future.

The Public Meeting

A public meeting will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Ravenswood City Hall, located at 1 Wall Street, Ravenswood, West Virginia.

Additional information can be found on the project page on ODOT's website.

[74/171FAN]

I just sent an email to WVDOT's general contact email asking about the signing of WV 115 (east of US 340, most specifically at WV 9) and WV 243 (outside of I-81 Exit 8).

Good luck, I've been waiting for years for a response to my email about why the Big Chimney exit on I-79 is now signed for US 119 instead of WV 114.

I just got a response stating that signs will be posted within the next three months.

[roadman65]

I noticed that on an old Travel Vision Map of West Virginia, they show that Kanawha Blvd through Charleston West of where US 60 turns north to WV 114 and then Washington Street to the current US 60 Kanawha River Bridge as ALT US 60.

Yet Google Maps ( and GSV) don't show the alternate designation at all.

I'm guessing that it was decommissioned some time ago.

Also the same Travel Vision Map shows Washington as a continuous street through the Capitol.  So naturally the street was closed off to make the current walkway north of the Capitol since that map was published.  However, was that part of Washington Street originally part of the former US 119 alignment before the realigning South of Charleston?

The map I have already has US 119 on its current route and not along WV 61 where it used to be

[Dirt Roads]

Also the same Travel Vision Map shows Washington as a continuous street through the Capitol.  So naturally the street was closed off to make the current walkway north of the Capitol since that map was published.  However, was that part of Washington Street originally part of the former US 119 alignment before the realigning South of Charleston?

Indeed.  US-119 crossed the Kanawha River just east of the State Capitol on the original 35th Street Bridge (constructed in 1915), which turned downstream (westward) and dumped out onto Washington Street towards the Capitol.  At several times in its history, the old 35th Street Bridge also carried WV-14 traffic (alternating with the Patrick Street Bridge that carries US-60 across the river).

That structure was replaced by the twin structures (originally dubbed 36th Street and 35th Street bridges) during the construction of I-64/I-77 through Charleston.  The 35th Street northbound structure was renamed as the Kaufman Memorial Bridge in 2011, and its twin 36th Street southbound structure was renamed as the Bob Basil Memorial Bridge in 2009. 

I can't remember when Washington Street was closed through the State Capitol grounds, but it was certainly still in operation during the mid-1980s.  I remember many times having to cross busy traffic to get from the parking lots on Capitol grounds and cross Washington Street to get to Building One (home of the old State Road Commission, now home of the West Virginia DOT, and also home to the only DMV office in the entire state until the Teays Valley office opened in the late 1980s).

US-119 was placed onto MacCorkle Avenue (and much of its Southside Expressway portion) by crossing the Kanawha River on the new I-64 Fort Hill Bridge when it opened in 1975.  Then US-119 got switched over to Corridor G when it opened in 1982.

[Mapmikey]

This webpage has some mapscans that illustrate:
http://www.vahighways.com/wvannex/route-log/us060.htm

[SP Cook]

- Building One is the unsigned name of the actual capitol building.  The old DMV building is Building Three. 

- Building Three was recently totally gutted and remodeled.  I haven't been there yet, but it is supposed to be really nice.  The DMV moved to a disused mall in Kanawha City maybe 20 years ago and the DNR and Commerce Department took over Building Three.  No idea who is there now.  Highways is in Building Five, and, some 30 years after the government reorganization that merged the DMV and DOH into the DOT, the sign in the lobby still reads "Department of Highways".

- There used to be an old picture of 100s of people line up down Washington Street, all dressed up, waiting in a line for the DMV.  Maybe from the 50s.  WV used to have plates for each class expire all at once.  IIRC, cars were July 1.  Rather than use the mail, lots of Charleston people would line up for hours to deal with the office in person.  That was back when you got an actual new plate every single year.

- The Teays Valley office is an odd deal.  Apparently it was built because there was little parking at the Capitol and people could go there.  Remember that this is a neighboring county to Kanawha.  You would think that they would open branch offices elsewhere.  Well, apparently, it was because a phone call from there to Charleston was local, so they could do transactions in those pre-computer days, without calling long distance.  It was there years and years before the state went digital and started having branch offices around the state.  I want to say it was there in the 70s.

- The Teays Valley office is still listed by the DMV as "Winfield".  Before US 35 was upgraded, Exit 39 was signed as "Winfield" and most businesses just said they were in Winfield, even though the area has a Hurricane address and, back in the day, a Scott Depot phone number.  This is really common, lots of billboards tell you the city used on the exit sign, even if that is not the actual city right where the exit is.  Today most businesses use "Teays Valley" which is what the sign says now, but the DMV still uses Winfield.

- People will deny this, but it is true.  WV drivers licenses were a laminated deal with an actual picture from the early 80s until sometime in the 90s.  (Before that they were a plastic card the size of a credit card with raised letters and numbers like a credit card, with the height-weight, etc and no photo.  You could use about anyone's DL for drinking purposes.)  Anyway, the photo background was yellow.  The DMV in Charleston has a second backdrop which was blue.  Insiders got their picture taken against the blue background, which was a signal to cops that they were an insider and should be let out of the random tax and such.   To this day, WV cop slang for an person with pull is "blue back".

[Rothman]

- People will deny this, but it is true.  WV drivers licenses were a laminated deal with an actual picture from the early 80s until sometime in the 90s.  (Before that they were a plastic card the size of a credit card with raised letters and numbers like a credit card, with the height-weight, etc and no photo.  You could use about anyone's DL for drinking purposes.)  Anyway, the photo background was yellow.  The DMV in Charleston has a second backdrop which was blue.  Insiders got their picture taken against the blue background, which was a signal to cops that they were an insider and should be let out of the random tax and such.   To this day, WV cop slang for an person with pull is "blue back".

Must be true because SP Cook said so. 

[TheCatalyst31]

- People will deny this, but it is true.  WV drivers licenses were a laminated deal with an actual picture from the early 80s until sometime in the 90s.  (Before that they were a plastic card the size of a credit card with raised letters and numbers like a credit card, with the height-weight, etc and no photo.  You could use about anyone's DL for drinking purposes.)  Anyway, the photo background was yellow.  The DMV in Charleston has a second backdrop which was blue.  Insiders got their picture taken against the blue background, which was a signal to cops that they were an insider and should be let out of the random tax and such.  To this day, WV cop slang for an person with pull is "blue back".

Must be true because SP Cook said so. 

There aren't a ton of old driver's license pictures online, but I still find it hilarious that this fake is the closest thing to an example WV license from that era that I could find. It does have a yellow background, I guess.

[Molandfreak]

Because it's a horseshit conspiracy theory. Nothing more, nothing less.