West Virginia

[seicer]

I knew this would happen, but to this extent that it caused the building to collapse? The location is at the northern terminus of State Route 193 (Big Ben Bowen Highway) near Huntington, and is at the bottom of a long grade on a 60 MPH highway (GSV).

State Route 193 is proposed to extend across the Ohio River to connect to State Route 7 in Ohio, but any final plans are many years off.

Truck crashes into building; driver rescued

A semi-truck that crashed into the Service Machine Company building this morning in Cabell County is in the process of being removed from the building.

The inside of the building was used for storage for NUCOR equipment, according to Service Machine Company workers.

[hbelkins]

I knew this would happen, but to this extent that it caused the building to collapse? The location is at the northern terminus of State Route 193 (Big Ben Bowen Highway) near Huntington, and is at the bottom of a long grade on a 60 MPH highway (GSV).

State Route 193 is proposed to extend across the Ohio River to connect to State Route 7 in Ohio, but any final plans are many years off.

Truck crashes into building; driver rescued

A semi-truck that crashed into the Service Machine Company building this morning in Cabell County is in the process of being removed from the building.

The inside of the building was used for storage for NUCOR equipment, according to Service Machine Company workers.

Probably another driver who can't read road signs. That signal and intersection is well-signed.

[GCrites]

That fog looks pretty bad.

[wriddle082]

That fog looks pretty bad.

Fog like that is common in that part of the Ohio Valley during this time of year.

[GCrites]

Right, an area that close to the river is subject to getting "river fog".

[seicer]

WVDOH awards contract for I-79 reconstruction, paving
November 18, 2025

A project to reconstruct and repave a six-lane section of Interstate 79 from Anmoore to Saltwell Road is among 19 construction projects recently awarded by the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH).

The contracts were awarded from a special bid letting conducted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

"That's the greatest project we have going on in District 4," said WVDOH District 4 Manager Earl Gaskins. "It's the one we've been waiting for."

Mountaineer Contractors Inc. was awarded a contract for $19,093,094.23 to do reconstruction, drainage, and paving work on an approximately 8-mile section of I-79 between Anmoore and Saltwell Road. Drainage problems on the stretch of road have allowed water to pool on the roadway, leading to unusually heavy wear and tear on the pavement.

"This year alone we've patched that section three different times," Gaskins said. "This project will take care of a section of I-79 that's been a problem for several years."

Gaskins said the project will reduce maintenance on the section of interstate and create a safer road surface for drivers.

[Bitmapped]

WVDOH awards contract for I-79 reconstruction, paving
November 18, 2025

A project to reconstruct and repave a six-lane section of Interstate 79 from Anmoore to Saltwell Road is among 19 construction projects recently awarded by the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH).

The contracts were awarded from a special bid letting conducted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

"That's the greatest project we have going on in District 4," said WVDOH District 4 Manager Earl Gaskins. "It's the one we've been waiting for."

Mountaineer Contractors Inc. was awarded a contract for $19,093,094.23 to do reconstruction, drainage, and paving work on an approximately 8-mile section of I-79 between Anmoore and Saltwell Road. Drainage problems on the stretch of road have allowed water to pool on the roadway, leading to unusually heavy wear and tear on the pavement.

"This year alone we've patched that section three different times," Gaskins said. "This project will take care of a section of I-79 that's been a problem for several years."

The part between Anmoore (Exit 117) and Meadowbrook Road (Exit 121) has not been resurfaced since those sections were widened in 2008 (north half) and 2012 (south half). The northern half between US 50 and Meadowbrook Road has needed resurfacing for several years and is in abysmal shape.

[seicer]

The right and center lanes date to the highway's completion but they have been having issues with the transition between the original concrete pavement, which was overlaid with some asphalt, and the new lanes: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iKzLyGwiXFXRCkPY9

It's why I've appreciated the more recent widening projects in Huntington, Nitro, and elsewhere that have involved full-depth pavement reconstruction.

[wriddle082]

The right and center lanes date to the highway's completion but they have been having issues with the transition between the original concrete pavement, which was overlaid with some asphalt, and the new lanes: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iKzLyGwiXFXRCkPY9

It's why I've appreciated the more recent widening projects in Huntington, Nitro, and elsewhere that have involved full-depth pavement reconstruction.

Is rubbilization of the existing old underlying concrete not an option for an acceptable base due to deterioration?  I remember witnessing I-64 between Lexington and Winchester, KY being rubblized when it was being widened around 20ish years ago, and it's holding up well.  Same with I-440 in Nashville, which they just finished widening two or three years ago.  They rubblized and paved over the original mid-80's concrete, and so far it seems to be holding up pretty well.

[Bitmapped]

The right and center lanes date to the highway's completion but they have been having issues with the transition between the original concrete pavement, which was overlaid with some asphalt, and the new lanes: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iKzLyGwiXFXRCkPY9

It's why I've appreciated the more recent widening projects in Huntington, Nitro, and elsewhere that have involved full-depth pavement reconstruction.

Is rubbilization of the existing old underlying concrete not an option for an acceptable base due to deterioration?  I remember witnessing I-64 between Lexington and Winchester, KY being rubblized when it was being widened around 20ish years ago, and it's holding up well.  Same with I-440 in Nashville, which they just finished widening two or three years ago.  They rubblized and paved over the original mid-80's concrete, and so far it seems to be holding up pretty well.

WVDOH has used rubblization on some of the 4-lane sections of I-79 that they've reconstructed.

In the case of the section being resurfaced here, the original concrete surface was still exposed prior to the asphalt overlay done as part of the widening. It was in bad shape, with some heaving of the slabs and unevenness. I remember it being a very bouncy ride.

[vdeane]

Looks like there are some changes for US routes in WV from the recent AASHTO meeting.  Any idea what the US 11 one means?  Where would US 11 be realigned to?

[74/171FAN]

Looks like there are some changes for US routes in WV from the recent AASHTO meeting.  Any idea what the US 11 one means?  Where would US 11 be realigned to?

May be a minor realignment from a bridge.  They did one with VA in regard to US 219 in the Spring.

[seicer]

Item 39: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Relocation /realignment of an existing route
Reason for Action: Current WV 108 and WV 123 will be redesignated
to U.S. 52 as a part of the King Coal Highway project.

Approved with Condition

-

Item 40: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Recognition of a Business Route
Reason for Action: Current U.S. 52 will be redesignated to U.S. 52
Business as a part of the King Coal Highway project.
Approved

-

Item 41: West Virginia, US 522
Action: Recognition of a By-Pass Route
Reason for Action: Segment to be named U.S. 522 Bypass.
Approved with Condition

[Bitmapped]

Item 39: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Relocation /realignment of an existing route
Reason for Action: Current WV 108 and WV 123 will be redesignated
to U.S. 52 as a part of the King Coal Highway project.

Approved with Condition

This makes sense to move US 52 out of Bluefield, although with the WV 123 to WV 20 section already underway, I'm kind of surprised they didn't just wait until that was done and move US 52 onto the WV 20 alignment. Maybe there will be another move when that happens?

Item 40: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Recognition of a Business Route
Reason for Action: Current U.S. 52 will be redesignated to U.S. 52
Business as a part of the King Coal Highway project.
Approved

This will be WV's first Business US route. There is a road in Hurricane alternately signed as Business WV 34 and ALT WV 34, and WVDOH has proposed a Business WV 32 at Thomas.

US 19 through Bluefield really could be moved onto the US 460 bypass and made a bypass of its own.

Item 41: West Virginia, US 522
Action: Recognition of a By-Pass Route
Reason for Action: Segment to be named U.S. 522 Bypass.
Approved with Condition

The use of the Bypass banner here and with Bypass US 19 at Beckley annoys me, especially since we're also signing Business routes. Pick one banner and stick with it.

[hbelkins]

Item 39: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Relocation /realignment of an existing route
Reason for Action: Current WV 108 and WV 123 will be redesignated
to U.S. 52 as a part of the King Coal Highway project.

Approved with Condition

This makes sense to move US 52 out of Bluefield, although with the WV 123 to WV 20 section already underway, I'm kind of surprised they didn't just wait until that was done and move US 52 onto the WV 20 alignment. Maybe there will be another move when that happens?

Item 40: West Virginia, US 52
Action: Recognition of a Business Route
Reason for Action: Current U.S. 52 will be redesignated to U.S. 52
Business as a part of the King Coal Highway project.
Approved

This will be WV's first Business US route. There is a road in Hurricane alternately signed as Business WV 34 and ALT WV 34, and WVDOH has proposed a Business WV 32 at Thomas.

US 19 through Bluefield really could be moved onto the US 460 bypass and made a bypass of its own.

Item 41: West Virginia, US 522
Action: Recognition of a By-Pass Route
Reason for Action: Segment to be named U.S. 522 Bypass.
Approved with Condition

The use of the Bypass banner here and with Bypass US 19 at Beckley annoys me, especially since we're also signing Business routes. Pick one banner and stick with it.

Kentucky, too. If you try to follow US 127, you'll be flying by some towns on the mainline, with the old route signed as "Business," and you'll be slogging through downtown in other places with the new route signed as "Bypass."

[seicer]

In the January 2026 bid lettings:

Rehabilitation of 2.7 miles of US 22 from the Ohio River to Harmon Creek. This involves full-depth concrete replacement and guardrail improvements.

The Leon Pin & Link Bridge rehabilitation along SR 62 in Mason County is not unusual. Still, it's worth noting that these pin-and-hanger assemblies are being integrated into a fully continuous structure to remove the fracture-critical component, and the abutments are being converted to semi-integral with approach slabs. The c. 1949 bridge will receive sufficient updates to remain serviceable for at least another 20 to 30 years.

SR 131 will be rebuilt between US 50 in Bridgeport and Interstate 79. The 20' roadway has no shoulders nor turning lanes. It will be widened to two 11' lanes and 5' paved shoulders with sidewalks in Bridgeport. There will be some intersection relocations and sight distance improvements.

[seicer]

Harmony Grove Interchange

• Environmental Assessment
• Appendix

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT), Division of Highways (WVDOH) will hold an informational workshop public meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Skyview Elementary School, 668 River Road, Morgantown, West Virginia, to present information available in the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange project and to obtain updates on the status of project development. This project includes a new interchange on I-79 between the I-79/I-68 Interchange 148 and Interchange 152 (Westover) at Milepost 151 where I-79 intersects with County Route 45 (CR 45), River Road. in Monongalia County. This meeting complies with the public involvement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, and Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966.

[Bitmapped]

Harmony Grove Interchange

• Environmental Assessment
• Appendix

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT), Division of Highways (WVDOH) will hold an informational workshop public meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Skyview Elementary School, 668 River Road, Morgantown, West Virginia, to present information available in the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Harmony Grove Interchange project and to obtain updates on the status of project development. This project includes a new interchange on I-79 between the I-79/I-68 Interchange 148 and Interchange 152 (Westover) at Milepost 151 where I-79 intersects with County Route 45 (CR 45), River Road. in Monongalia County. This meeting complies with the public involvement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, and Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966.

This interchange was proposed as part of a bid to attract the Mountaintop Beverage plant near the interchange in the Morgantown Industrial Park. FHWA held up approval of the interchange justification study, so WVDOH decided to build a new bridge across the Monongahela River to provide access to US 119.

I didn't favor the bridge - really nobody favored the bridge in public comment - yet it got built anyway. I don't favor this project, especially since the bridge will already provide easy access to I-68 and I-79, and since upgrades to the existing US 19, DuPont Road, and River Road would provide more utility.

The only thing I see as a potential positive of this project is that it should fix the truck lanes on I-79, which end before the summit of the grade and cause congestion every rush hour.

[PColumbus73]

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2025/10/west-virginia-officials-no-decision-made-on-wheeling-suspension-bridge-traffic/

Was thinking about the Wheeling Suspension Bridge earlier and read this article from October. Still no confirmation from WVDOH about reopening the bridge to vehicular traffic.

If they were having so many issues with overweight traffic on the bridge, it makes sense to me to leave it as a pedestrian bridge.

[Bitmapped]

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2025/10/west-virginia-officials-no-decision-made-on-wheeling-suspension-bridge-traffic/

Was thinking about the Wheeling Suspension Bridge earlier and read this article from October. Still no confirmation from WVDOH about reopening the bridge to vehicular traffic.

If they were having so many issues with overweight traffic on the bridge, it makes sense to me to leave it as a pedestrian bridge.

Even when it was open, the bridge had been posted with a 2-ton limit for years. That's low enough that, especially when loaded, most vehicles would have been overweight. WVDOH's own bridge rating manual says "The minimum load posting weight is 3 tons. Bridges not capable of carrying a minimum gross load weight of 3 tons shall be closed."

The residents on Wheeling Island want another route into downtown other than the I-70 bridge. If not for that, I think the Wheeling Suspension Bridge would have been made pedestrian-only years ago. I don't think there's a good solution to this problem because there's not a good place to land another bridge let alone the money to build one.

[PColumbus73]

The weight limit would prohibit most modern passenger vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, anyway.

What is the aversion to using I-70? The interstate traffic?

[kphoger]

The residents on Wheeling Island want another route into downtown other than the I-70 bridge.

What is the aversion to using I-70?

Thank you for asking.  I was wondering the same thing.

[Bitmapped]

The weight limit would prohibit most modern passenger vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, anyway.

What is the aversion to using I-70? The interstate traffic?

A combination of having to go a couple blocks out of the way, traffic on I-70 and US 40, and outdated ramps on both ends of the I-70 bridge. Getting on I-70 EB from Wheeling Island has a short merge. Getting on I-70 WB from downtown has its own added lane, but then there is a ramp from WV 2 southbound that has a stop sign entering it.

[PColumbus73]

I-70 is already substandard in that area, the cheapest solution to appease Wheeling Island is to reduce I-70 to one lane EB before the EB Zane St on-ramp. Then close the WB Main St on-ramp and have SB traffic loop back to I-70 on 10th St.

The only suitable spot for a new local bridge would be between the casino and 20th St.

But also, is it worth it to WVDOH to do anything?

[Bitmapped]

In Wheeling, replacement of the Washington Avenue Bridge began last month with the bridge's closure. The structure had been weight-restricted for a number of years, mostly recent to 5 tons since at least 2023.

Today, the bridge collapsed while construction crews were working on removing its deck: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/01/07/bridge-collapses-in-wheeling/

There was an excavator and a dump truck on the bridge at the time of its collapse.