New Buffalo Bridge interchange open to traffic

CHARLESTON, WV – The new intersection of WV 869 and WV 817 (Old US 35), in Putnam County, is open to traffic.
 
In February 2025, Bear Contracting LLC was awarded a contract for approximately $6.3 million of completely realign the junction of WV 869 and WV 817, eliminating an accident-prone intersection and allowing a straight shot onto the Buffalo Bridge.
 
Thirty-seven crashes had been recorded at the old intersection since 2019. The new interchange is intended to be both safer, and smoother.