CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A big change for motorists heading through Charleston.
The state Division of Highways has lowered the speed limit on the interstates through the Capital City from 60 mph to 50 mph. The change is effective immediately.
The DOH’s move is in response to several bad wrecks in recent months where vehicles plunge over or nearly plunge over the barrier wall on the elevated interstate near eastbound I-64/I-77 split.
Four Raleigh County men died when they truck they were in left the interstate in August and two sisters from North Carolina died this month when their minivan went over the wall in almost the exactly same place.
The DOH said it has new signage up with plans for more signage and warnings.
Work begins Monday on placing down high friction surface treatment in some areas. The work will take place during the day. There’s also going to be an engineering study to see if it’s possible raise the height of the barrier wall, the DOH said.
Charleston police and state police will increase visibility to enforce the new speed limit.
The official 50 mph zone outlined by the DOH includes:
Northbound/Westbound I-77 and I-64: Beginning approximately at the 35th/36th Street bridges.
Southbound I-77: Beginning at Westmoreland Road.
Eastbound I-64: Beginning between the Montrose Drive and Oakwood Road exits.