CABELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is urging motorists to slow down and stay alert while traveling through the Interstate 64 work zone in Cabell County.
The reminder comes after three tractor-trailer crashes shut down multiple lanes within a 24-hour period, from Thursday, November 7, 2024, to Friday, November 8, 2024.
Crews from the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), along with contractors and local law enforcement, worked swiftly to clear the scenes and reopen the affected lanes.
All lanes are now open, and a safety review of the work zone will be conducted by the WVDOH Traffic Engineering Division in the coming days.
Preliminary investigations indicate that driver error contributed to the crashes.
To enhance safety, WVDOH is partnering with the Barboursville Police Department to increase police presence in the work zone.
Officials remind drivers that conditions in work zones can change daily and that fines are doubled for speeding in these areas.
Repairs Underway Following Crashes
The crashes caused damage to the top layers of asphalt, two temporary impact attenuators, and the median wall.
While asphalt and attenuator repairs were completed promptly, the extent of the damage to the median wall is still being assessed.
The WVDOT emphasizes that traffic is only allowed on roads deemed safe, and necessary repairs are made before reopening any lanes.
Project Progress and Timeline
The ongoing project aims to widen I-64 through Cabell County from mile marker 15 to mile marker 20. Key highlights include:
- 29th Street to Guyandotte River: Both bridges are under construction. The 29th Street Bridge is in its final phase and expected to be completed by early 2025. The Guyandotte River Bridge is in its second phase, with deck work set to begin soon. All contraflow west of the bridge will be removed by late spring 2025, with work focused solely on the bridge thereafter.
- Merritt’s Creek: Final phases of mainline construction are underway. Crews are working to expand to eight lanes from Exit 20 to Exit 18. This section is expected to be completed by fall 2025.
- Guyandotte River Bridge Completion: The bridge is on track for completion by fall 2026, with final resurfacing across the project area to follow.
The WVDOT reminds drivers to stay vigilant in work zones and adhere to all traffic laws.
Real-time traffic updates are available 24/7 through the WV 511 service at wv511.org or via the WV 511 Drive Safe app.
