WVDOH Expedites Temporary Bridge Installation on Middle Fork Drive in Charleston
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has successfully secured a temporary replacement structure and will begin on-site installation operations on Middle Fork Drive in Charleston. This rapid engineering response is aimed at immediately restoring vital roadway connectivity for local residents following an unexpected structural closure.
“We plan to start setting the temporary structure immediately and intend to have it fully open and traffic restored by Tuesday of next week.”
— Travis Knighton, WVDOH District 1 Manager
Bridge Inspection Closure and Winter Weather Impacts
The original bridge structure, located at approximately milepost 14.5, was abruptly closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after a routine safety inspection revealed critical sub-structural deficiencies. While local detour routes were immediately mapped and established, prolonged sub-freezing temperatures and the compounding aftermath of a severe winter storm made navigating secondary backroads exceptionally difficult for area commuters.
Recognizing the significant economic and logistical inconvenience posed to isolated residents, WVDOH administrators successfully expedited an emergency purchase order for a modular 55-foot temporary bridge. This asset will be laid directly over the existing footprint, establishing a safe driving deck until a permanent bridge replacement can be designed, let, and constructed.
| Project Variable | Administrative & Engineering Specifications |
|---|---|
| Geographic Location | Middle Fork Drive, Charleston, West Virginia (Milepost 14.5) |
| Original Inspection Closure | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| Temporary Structure Type | 55-foot modular steel temporary bridge |
| Emergency Procurement Cost | $104,000.00 |
| Installation Commencement | Friday, January 30, 2026 |
| Targeted Corridor Reopening | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 |
Interagency Logistics and Construction Deployments
Executing this emergency response required highly coordinated, multi-district logistics across several division units:
- Material Procurement: Heavy transport crews from the specialized WVDOH Equipment Division based in Buckhannon deployed to Warren, Ohio, to physically receive and haul the modular bridge components back to Kanawha County.
- Site Preparation: District 1 bridge crews, reinforced by WVDOH Central Forces, initiated preparatory work on-site, systematically removing legacy guardrails and stabilizing the old bridge seats to accept the temporary steel framework.
- Main Assembly: Heavy crane operators and riggers will begin setting the main structural panels to complete the deck installation through the weekend.
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.
