Tricky I-79 exit being reconfigured

WESTON, W.Va. — The most uniquely engineered exit on Interstate 79 in West Virginia is being reconfigured as part of the state’s Roads to Prosperity program. Earth-moving efforts are underway at Exit 99 in Lewis County.

“We’re taking care of that very dangerous entry there. We’re putting a new interchange there,” State Highways Commissioner Jimmy Wriston said.

Work is already taking place on both sides of the interstate. Most of the initial efforts are being concentrated just off the northbound lanes where part of a hillside is being removed.

The existing southbound exit uses the same lane to exit the interstate and re-enter. Wriston said that’s been a problem.

“This will allow (motorists) to exit and enter the interstate without that little weaving motion that you have there,” Wriston said.

Beckley-based Vecellio & Grogan, Inc. is being paid more than $24 million for the project. Wriston said it will likely take parts of two construction seasons to complete.

“It’s going to be late next year (2020) and it’s possible we could go into the next construction year,” he said.