Old Hi Carpenter Bridge Project

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking comments regarding the rehabilitation of Old Hi Carpenter Bridge. The project consists of rehabilitating the truss portion of the Old Hi Carpenter Bridge and use a three span continuous curved steel plate girder bridge. The existing truss span including replacing the existing deck with a concrete deck, replacing stringers and risers with a new stringer, and strengthening the floorbeams. Steel barriers will be added along with a pedestrian railing. There will also be a new approach connection onto the island.

Old Hi Carpenter Bridge project will result in a Section 4(f) use in order to obtain a permanent right of way easement on the USFWS Wildlife Refuge Area. FHWA and WVDOT will process this project using a Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 Net Benefit finding on the use of a historic property. A Net Benefit is achieved when the transportation use and the measures to minimize harm incorporated into the project results in an overall enhancement of the Section 4(f) property when compared to the No Build Alternative, Avoidance Alternatives, and present condition of the property. The project benefits include improving access by adding a curved ramp, supporting larger vehicles, to further the educational and recreational uses of the island, and improving pedestrian and disability access to the refuge.