CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways is spending a half million dollars to give motorists better traction on the most heavily traveled highway in the state. Work begins Wednesday night on and around the Eugene A. Carter Bridge on Interstate 64 in Charleston.
“We are actually applying a high-friction surface treatment to the roadway,” DOH spokesperson Carrie Bly said. “So that’s going to improve traction for drivers and actually give you more control over your vehicle.”
A Michigan-based company has been hired to do the work. It will all take place at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in hopes of avoiding the busiest travel times. The project completion date is July 31. Bly said motorists need to be aware of lane, exit and on ramp closures for the six-week period.
A California company finished a concrete resurfacing of the elevated interstate through Charleston just last year but Bly said that didn’t include treating the new surface like the new project will do.
“It (new surface) helps with traction a little bit but that’s not what its purpose was,” she said. “The reason states do this and why we’re doing it is because it will give you more traction and help with hydroplaning when roads are slick and things like that,” Bly said.
The harsh winter was tough on the new surface and DOH crews will take the time to fill some westbound I-64 potholes near the Carter bridge during the project.