CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) โ If you are traveling westbound on Interstate 64 through Charleston, be prepared for some delays.
The fast and middle westbound lanes of I-64 are closed on the Eugene A. Carter Bridge, also known as the Fort Hill Bridge, near the Oakwood Exit due to pothole repairs. The westbound Virginia Street on ramp is also closed.
Transportation officials said crews completed the repairs Thursday afternoon, but now must wait for the concrete to cure before reopening the closed lanes.
A WVDOH news release said it could take โanywhere from a few hours to a day or twoโ for the concrete to cure.
Crews hope to have the area reopened by 6 p.m. Friday, July 11, according to a news release from West Virginia Division of Highways.
In the meantime, the West Virginia Department of Transportation has suggested the following detours to help get around the lane closures:
- Traffic on Interstate 77 North is advised to use Exit 95 to MacCorkle Avenue (WV 61) and continue on MacCorkle Avenue to South Charleston. Traffic can get onto I-64 West at the Montrose Drive exit (Exit 56).
- Traffic on I-77 South heading toward I-64 West can use the Edens Fork exit (Exit 106) to take Sissonville Drive to WV 25, use the Washington Street exit (Exit 58C) to Pennsylvania Avenue to Kanawha Boulevard, or use the Washington Street exit (Exit 58C) to US 60 to WV 25.
Commercial vehicles are asked to remain on Interstate 64 West through the work zone to avoid clogging the detour routes.
WVDOH officials said the lanes will remain closed between the Virginia Street on ramp and the Oakwood Road off ramp. The Oakwood Road exit was previously closed, but has since reopened.
A large pothole affecting both the left and center lanes on the Fort Hill Bridge opened overnight on Wednesday causing the need for emergency repairs, the news release said.
Drivers are asked to use caution in the area and expect delays.
The WVDOH said it is working to find a consultant for a plan to redeck the bridge in the future.