CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The West Virginia Department of Transportation is making it easier for motorists to stay informed about construction underway in the Kanawha Valley as crews begin work on dozens of bridge rehabilitation projects.

Department officials unveiled a new website Tuesday designed to keep the public informed about construction and rehabilitation efforts tied to the Charleston Metro Projects program, which will highlight more than 50 planned and active projects.

Division of Highways spokesperson Brent Walker said with the site now live; the agency can begin sharing up-to-date information with motorists.

“It will really just allow us to just get the information out to the public, because it does include the Fort Hill bridge and the Montrose bridges, those are a part of the larger bridge initiative,” Walker said.

According to a WVDOT release, the website will allow motorists too:
– see an overview of a project and its goal
– shows an interactive map with location specific details
– info on the types of repairs or replacements planned at each site
– shows expected construction schedules and anticipated timelines
– traffic management plans, including detours, if necessary
– resources for real-time travel information during construction

Currently, crews have already begun work on the Montrose Drive Bridge and the First and Second Avenue bridges in South Charleston. The Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge, also known as the Fort Hill Bridge in Charleston, is expected to be under construction beginning in 2027.

Walker said when work begins on the Fort Hill Bridge, it will most likely be the only bridge crews focus on at that time in order to get it completed as quickly as possible.

“Because of the impacts that will have on the Capitol City, it will probably be a standalone, but as that is happening, we will begin communicating what’s up next which will be 50 plus bridges just in and around the City of Charleston,” he said.

Walker said the new website and the broader plan to address dozens of bridges are part of an initiative focused on the state’s aging infrastructure, driven in part by a push from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

He said it’s been a long time coming.

“For the last couple of years, we’ve made a list, we’ve been trying to secure money,” Walker said.

Walker also said the department is committed to keeping the website up to date, emphasizing that clear and consistent communication is critical for projects of this scale.

“It’s important that we continue to let the traveling public know the kind of work that’s happening on these bridges, give them schedules, so the type of work, schedules, I think that allows them to make better choices when they’re traveling through Charleston and the Kanawha Valley,” he said.