Traffic crosses over ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's Fort Hill Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. The span, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, carries Interstate 64 vehicles over the Kanawha River.
In this July 10, 2025, photo, West Virginia Department of Transportation workers repair a large pothole in the deck of the Fort Hill Bridge, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, which carries Interstate 64 over the Kanawha River in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
Traffic crosses over ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's Fort Hill Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. The span, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, carries Interstate 64 vehicles over the Kanawha River.
WV DOT | Courtesy photo
The West Virginia Division of Highways has accepted bids for a protective membrane and asphalt overlay to extend the life of the bridge deck on ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's Fort Hill Bridge.
DOH engineers accelerated the bid process after a series of large potholes developed on the 50-year-old structure, according to a news release. For the past six weeks, drivers have dealt with various lane closures during repairs, including on a 3-by-3-foot hole through the deck.
The bridge, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, carries Interstate 64 over the Kanawha River in downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. It is one of the most heavily traveled bridges in West Virginia, according to the DOH.
Contractors will repair concrete on the bridge deck and then lay down a flexible rubber barrier membrane. They will apply a 2-inch asphalt overlay on top of the membrane.
In this July 10, 2025, photo, West Virginia Department of Transportation workers repair a large pothole in the deck of the Fort Hill Bridge, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, which carries Interstate 64 over the Kanawha River in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
WV DOT | Courtesy photo
"The waterproof membrane will prevent water from getting to the bridge deck until the bridge deck can be entirely replaced within the next couple of years," state bridge engineer Tracy Brown said in a statement. "The asphalt will also allow for a smoother ride across the bridge for the traveling public."
Cracks on the bridge deck caused by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle allowed water to get to the steel rebar inside the concrete deck. Water then caused the rebar to corrode and expand, leading to further cracking, according to the DOH.
The overlay project is expected to be completed in late fall. Details on lane closures for the construction won't be available until after a bid is accepted. The bridge deck is scheduled to be replaced in 2027.
CLICK HERE to follow the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Gazette-Mail and receive
