The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) established a localized, single-lane restriction along Interstate 79 Southbound to accommodate essential structural maintenance on the Tom’s Run Bridge. Located just south of Morgantown, this targeted repair operation was integrated into a broader, systemic corridor preservation strategy designed to reinforce bridge decks, safeguard substructural elements, and maintain optimal transit safety across the North Central West Virginia highway grid.
To limit traffic disruptions and avoid interfering with the heavy morning and evening regional commutes, state engineering teams restricted field operations to a brief, off-peak afternoon window. Traffic was funneled into a single shared lane through the work zone using high-visibility barrels and electronic signage.
Project Parameters & Operational Matrix
The maintenance shift was restricted to the far-right travel lane, allowing the remaining southbound passing lane to stay open for continuous expressway traffic. The core specifications of the deployment are archived below:
| Operational Parameter | Project Framework Details |
|---|---|
| Designated Route | Interstate 79 (I-79) Southbound |
| Structural Landmark | Tom’s Run Bridge (Geographic coordinate segment south of Morgantown) |
| Execution Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Active Work Window | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Off-peak daytime shift) |
| Lane Modification | Far-right travel lane closed; left passing lane maintained open |
| Primary Objective | Structural concrete preservation and localized bridge deck maintenance |
Commuter Directives & Work Zone Safety Protocol
While the construction window was deliberately abbreviated, the compression of interstate traffic into a single lane created localized bottlenecking. The WVDOH reinforced standard safety protocols for drivers navigating Monongalia and Harrison counties:
Operational Safety Notice: Motorists are reminded that highway work zones demand heightened defensive driving habits. Sudden lane changes, tailgating, or failure to yield to flashing strobe lights increases the mathematical probability of a secondary collision. The posted work zone restrictions are legally binding enforcement thresholds.
- Buffer Transit Windows: Drivers traveling through the North Central corridor were advised to expect minor congestion and add a 10-to-15-minute padding to their mid-afternoon travel timelines.
- Maintain Positional Alertness: Commuters must look ahead for active flashing arrow boards, orange warning barriers, and support vehicles, while remaining highly mindful of civil maintenance personnel working right adjacent to the open travel lane.
- Utilize Real-Time Logistics Tools: WVDOH encourages all regional drivers to continuously monitor the official WV511.org platform. This digital network streams live traffic speeds, camera feeds, and active congestion updates to help motorists bypass delays.
- Schedule Fluidity: Because heavy civil materials placement is sensitive to environmental variables, localized freezing precipitation, high moisture levels, or unexpected equipment anomalies can cause field managers to dynamically shift or extend active work windows.
Accessibility Statement:
The West Virginia Department of Transportation will, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in our services, programs, and activities. Please contact us at (304) 558-3931. Persons with hearing or speech impairments can reach all state agencies by calling (800) 982-8772 (voice to TDD) or (800) 982-8771 (TDD to voice), toll free.
