A project to replace two interstate bridges dating from the early days of Interstate 64 is among 31 construction projects included in a bid letting conducted by the West Virginia Division of Highways on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The eastbound and westbound bridges, at milepost 179 on I-64 in Greenbrier County, cross over two lines of railroad track owned by CSX.
“The two existing bridges at this location are part of the original segment of I-64 that was built in 1965, which for a long time ended at Sam Black Church,” said Tracy Brown, P.E., WVDOH State Bridge Engineer. “The remaining section into Beckley was built in the late 1980’s, fully connecting I-64 to Interstate 77 and the West Virginia Turnpike.
“These bridges are now 60 years old and have seen a lot of salt and chlorides over the years given the relatively harsh winter weather this region of the state routinely experiences,” Brown said. “The new bridges will have wider shoulders, meeting all modern design requirements, and will provide an increased vertical clearance for the rail lines running underneath.”
Each bridge carries about 5,600 vehicles a day. Traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge while the eastbound bridge is demolished and rebuilt, then traffic will shift to the eastbound span to replace the westbound bridge. Brown said the arrangement will minimize the impact on the traveling public during construction.
