I64FortHillBridge.com

Your one-stop shop for travel information and other news related to the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge Rehabilitation Project, which will allow this critical interstate connection to remain in service for many years to come.

Essential Travel Connections for Local and National Traffic

Built in 1975, the iconic I-64 Fort Hill Bridge, also known as the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge, carries nearly 100,000 vehicles over the Kanawha River daily. This important link serves not only as a major east-west corridor to move interstate traffic from Missouri to Virginia but supports daily commuters traveling in and out of the capital city of Charleston.

Routine Maintenance Extends the Life and Safety of the Bridge

Just as regular maintenance is needed to keep cars and homes in good working condition, routine repairs are needed to extend the life of our infrastructure.

In 2010, the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) completed minor structural repairs and painted the bridge its distinctive blue color.
Recently, the WVDOT completed additional maintenance work, including deck patching, safety improvements for wet weather conditions, and installation of a new roadway surface.

The upcoming rehabilitation project is expected to begin in 2026 and will include the following repairs:

Replacement of the bridge deck and barrier walls on the steel structure and the four ramps that provide access to the bridge.
Repairs to the structural steel on the bridge’s arch.
Repair and repainting of the concrete piers.

Regular Updates

Visit I64FortHillBridge.com regularly for ongoing updates.

Real-Time Travel Information

Available on our WV 511 site or through the WV511 Drive Safe app on mobile devices.

Safe Work Zones for Workers and Drivers

WVDOT considers the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge Rehabilitation project the top priority in the Charleston area and is working closely with project partners to minimize the impact to the traveling public while providing a safe work zone for the contractor.

During this project, lane and ramp closures will be required to maintain safe distances between work crews and traffic on the bridge.

Construction Sequence and Schedule

Currently, the design is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2026. WVDOT will then move into the construction bidding phase with the plan of having a contract awarded in Summer 2026. Starting in Fall 2026, the contractor will utilize off-peak closures to remove portions of the existing median barrier, construct median crossovers, and install temporary barriers on I-64. Early in 2027, the contractor will close the westbound side of the Eugene Carter Memorial Bridge and all traffic will utilize the eastbound lanes. The animation below explains how the crossovers will be used to shift traffic to the eastbound lanes. After completion of the westbound construction, a similar approach will be used to construct the eastbound side of the bridge.

Planned Detours and Alternate Routes

The four ramps connecting to the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge will be closed during certain phases of construction to replace the bridge decks and barrier walls. During this time, traffic will be detoured to alternate routes.

In addition to the signed detour routes, WVDOT also recognizes that there are other options to cross the Kanawha River and is looking at strategic improvements, prior to this construction project, to help aid the flow of traffic in and around the Charleston area.

Project Costs

The current estimated cost for this investment in our Charleston infrastructure is $80-90 million. This project is being funded using both state and federal funds. As the project moves through the design phase towards construction, these costs will be refined.

Other Area Projects

In addition to this major project, WVDOT has initiated a program focused on the rehabilitation and replacement of bridges in the Charleston Metropolitan area. This program will provide much-needed repairs to over 50 projects. Details about the regional bridge projects will be available soon.

Citizen Inquiries

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Media Inquiries

WVDOT Communications
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Building 5, Room A-137
Charleston, WV 25305

Media inquiries should be directed to Brent Walker at WVDOTcommunications@wv.gov

Please include your questions, project name, county, and other important information so that we can provide a quick response.