The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has accepted bids for a protective membrane and asphalt overlay to extend the life of the bridge deck on the Fort Hill Bridge in Charleston.
WVDOH engineers accelerated the bid process for the overlay following a series of large potholes developed on the 50-year-old bridge.
The overlay project for the bridge, also known as the Eugene Carter Bridge, was included in a bid letting conducted by the WVDOH on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
"The project will consist of performing concrete repairs to get the existing bridge deck in the best condition possible," said Tracy Brown, P.E., WVDOH State Bridge Engineer.
Contractors will then lay down a flexible rubber barrier membrane prior to applying a two-inch asphalt overlay on the bridge.
"The waterproof membrane will prevent water from getting to the bridge deck until the bridge deck can be entirely replaced within the next couple of years," Brown said. "The asphalt will also allow for a smoother ride across the bridge for the traveling public."
Cracks on the bridge deck caused by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle allowed water to get to the steel reinforcing bars (rebar) inside the concrete deck. Water then caused the rebar to corrode and expand, leading to further cracking.
WVDOH engineers believe the rubber barrier and asphalt overlay will preserve the bridge deck until the deck can be replaced.
The overlay project is expected to be complete late this fall.
