TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight Rolling Roadblocks Scheduled on Interstate 79 at Junior Slaughter Bridge for Girders Placement
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) advises motorists and regional freight carriers to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions on Interstate 79 near the Junior Slaughter Bridge. Heavy civil contractor Triton Construction will be conducting a series of coordinated rolling roadblocks to facilitate the critical placement of massive steel structural girders onto the bridge's southbound abutment.
To ensure the safety of the construction crews and the traveling public, uniform law enforcement officers and certified traffic directors will actively assist the contractor in slowing and managing highway speeds during these heavy-lifting maneuvers.
Project Logistics & Overnight Windows
While standard static lane closures are not currently expected during this operation, the rolling roadblocks will create slow-moving queues across all lanes. Motorists should review the operational details below:
| Operational Parameter | Project Framework Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Corridor | Interstate 79 (I-79) — Mainline Northbound and Southbound Segments |
| Structural Landmark | Junior Slaughter Bridge |
| Operational Window | 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026 through 6:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026 |
| Impact Classification | Intermittent rolling roadblocks (Controlled traffic slowing; no permanent lane closures) |
| Engineering Objective | Staging and setting steel structural girders on the southbound bridge abutment |
Designated Alternate Routes
To bypass the rolling roadblocks and minimize potential delays, long-distance travelers and local commuters are highly encouraged to utilize the following official alternate route:
- Primary Bypass Vector: Divert from Interstate 79 at Exit 139 (Prickett’s Fort), transition directly onto WV Route 73, and follow the secondary corridor to navigate around the active bridge site before returning to the interstate.
Critical Commuter Directive: Motorists should expect significant localized delays during the overnight hours. WVDOH strongly advises drivers to plan ahead, check live transit feeds, and allow substantial extra time for their commute. Please approach the bridge perimeter with extreme caution, reduce speeds immediately upon seeing emergency flashing lights, and maintain a safe following distance from control vehicles.
- Operational Schedules: Please be aware that sudden inclement weather patterns, high winds, or unexpected mechanical issues during the steel erection process could alter or extend this structural work calendar.
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.
