Contractors who are filling potholes that developed on Interstate 64 West between the US 35 and the St. Albans exit expect to reopen both westbound lanes in time for rush-hour traffic on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, the West Virginia Division of Highways announced. More permanent repairs will be made when weather improves this weekend.
The WVDOH Transportation Management Center began getting calls about potholes on the stretch of road about a mile west of the US 35 interchange around 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. WVDOH maintenance crews from the Scary Creek garage in Putnam County were dispatched to the scene and contacted the contractor, Brayman Trumble, to make repairs. Near-constant snow, ice, rain, freezing and thawing over the past several weeks have caused pavement to fail on I-64 between the US 35 interchange and St. Albans exits, damaging several cars.
The Division of Highways made the decision to close the westbound slow lane to allow repairs to the stretch of road.
Because asphalt plants are shut down for winter, contractors are unable to get hot asphalt to fill the potholes. Unheated asphalt, known as cold patch, does not hold up very well to heavy traffic.
Contractors were back onsite Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, using a concrete-based material to fill the potholes. Brayman Trumble expected to have both westbound lanes reopen by 3 p.m.
Contractors will attempt a more permanent repair on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, after weather improves and temperatures rise.
Those whose vehicles may have been damaged on the stretch of interstate may file a claim with the West Virginia Legislative Claims Commission. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-562-6878.
The WVDOH will provide the public with updates on conditions on the stretch of road in the coming days.