The start of 2026 includes something that happens every year at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport – a substantial project.

 

Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said that a building permit was filed for the structure portion of a new $40 million outpatient surgery center at the start of the year. Work has already begun as earth is being moved in the area beside the parking area for the emergency department.

 

“This is another substantial UHC project,” said Kerr. “The building in question will be two stories and will cover 62,000 square feet.”

 

Kerr said the first floor will have eight operating rooms inside it. She said that, as of now, the plans submitted show no details for the second floor.

“There will also be a connecting, enclosed, walkway that attaches the main hospital to the new building for any need that arises, including emergency situations,” said Kerr.

 

The contractor is Deangelis Diamond General Contractor of Nashville. Multiple engineers, she said, are listed on the plans. The engineers include the Bridgeport-based Thrasher Group, Aero Structural Engineering out of Morgantown, and TLC Engineering Solutions out of Maryland.

 

Of the $40 million total cost, the grading and infrastructure that has begun is $2,675,000. Deangelis Diamond General Contractor is handing that portion of the project as well. That permit was filed last year.

 

With equipment and other additions, the project will be $48 million.

 

Editor's Note: Photo shows work that started this week.