Major construction is scheduled to begin Monday night on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge in Charleston, West Virginia, a project that will bring significant lane closures to the state's most traveled bridge. The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) has initiated this project to address concrete deterioration and extend the life of the bridge deck, which carries I-64 traffic over the Kanawha River.
The work, performed by Triton Construction, follows a series of emergency repairs conducted during the spring and summer to fix numerous potholes that caused substantial traffic delays. The new project is a more comprehensive, though temporary, solution designed to prevent similar issues through the upcoming winter.
Key Takeaways
- Construction on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge in Charleston begins Monday, October 13, 2025.
- Drivers on I-64 should expect significant lane closures during nights and weekends throughout October.
- The project involves concrete repairs, installing a waterproof membrane, and adding a new layer of asphalt.
- This work is a proactive measure to prevent pothole formation and extend the bridge's usability until a full redecking project can be scheduled.
Details of the Construction Project
The upcoming work on the Eugene A. Carter Bridge is a multi-faceted effort aimed at improving the structural integrity and surface quality of the bridge deck. The project was fast-tracked by DOH engineers in response to the recurring pothole problems that plagued the bridge earlier in the year.
Crews from Triton Construction will focus on three primary tasks. First, they will repair damaged sections of the concrete deck. Second, they will install a water-resistant impermeable membrane over the surface. This layer is crucial for preventing water from seeping into the concrete, which can freeze, expand, and cause potholes during the winter months. Finally, a new two-inch layer of asphalt will be applied to create a smoother and more durable driving surface.
"Our bridge engineers had fast tracked this overlay project because of those potholes that we patched throughout the spring and the summer," said DOH spokesperson Brent Walker. "We’re excited, it’s time."
The goal of this project is to provide a reliable solution that will last through the winter and beyond, preventing the kind of emergency closures and traffic backups that commuters experienced previously. The project is expected to be completed by the end of November.
Scheduled Lane Closures and Traffic Impact
Commuters and travelers using I-64 through Charleston will need to plan for significant changes to their routes, particularly during overnight hours and on weekends. The DOH has released a detailed schedule of lane closures to allow the construction crew to work safely and efficiently.
Understanding the Closure Schedule
The schedule is designed to minimize impact during peak weekday commute times, with the most extensive closures occurring overnight and on weekends when traffic volume is typically lower.
The specific lane closure plan is as follows:
- Monday Night: The left two eastbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Tuesday through Friday Nights: The left two lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays (All Day): The left two lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions will remain closed.
- Weekend Daytime (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.): During these hours on Saturday and Sunday, the closure will be reduced to the single left lane in both directions.
Officials also noted that closures of on-ramps and off-ramps may be necessary as the work progresses. Brent Walker stated that the DOH will provide updates as they become available. "As that schedule becomes available, as we hit some milestone type issues we are going to put information out," he said.
A Bridge to a Long-Term Solution
This construction project serves as an essential stopgap measure before a more extensive and permanent fix can be implemented. The Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure, and maintaining its condition is a priority for the DOH.
Bridge Traffic Volume
The Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge is the most heavily traveled bridge in West Virginia, carrying a high volume of local and interstate traffic daily on I-64.
According to Brent Walker, the new membrane and asphalt layer are intended to prolong the life of the current bridge deck. "All of that put together is going to allow us to extend the life of that bridge deck through the winter and hope we don’t have the backups and the closures that we saw in the spring and summer," Walker explained.
This temporary fix will allow the DOH to plan for a full redecking of the bridge. Walker indicated that a complete redecking project could take place in 2028, although the department hopes it might happen sooner. A full redecking is a much larger and more complex undertaking that involves completely replacing the top layer of the bridge.
Safety Message for Motorists
With lane closures and construction crews present on the bridge, the DOH is urging all drivers to exercise extreme caution when traveling through the work zone. Reduced speeds and increased awareness are critical to ensuring the safety of both workers and motorists.
The presence of construction equipment, lane shifts, and workers on the roadway creates a hazardous environment where distractions can have severe consequences. Drivers are advised to allow for extra travel time, especially during the scheduled closure periods.
"Heads up, phone down, slow down, pay attention, get through it and get on about your day," Walker advised motorists.
This simple but direct message emphasizes the importance of attentive driving. State and local law enforcement will likely have an increased presence in the area to enforce speed limits and ensure compliance with traffic patterns in the work zone.
