Although the contract has not yet officially been awarded, a $24 million bridge replacement project along Route 50 in Harrison County is planned by the West Virginia Division of Highways.

 

The bridge in question is between Salem and Lake Floyd and is known as the Bristol Bridge. As noted, the project is a total bridge replacement.

 

According to Jason Nelson, PE, the WVDOH District Four Construction Engineer, the contract has not been officially awarded as the bids are being reviewed. However, the apparent low bidder is Triton Construction out of St. Albans. The bid was for $24,461,000.

 

For anyone that has driven across the bridge, there are visible signs of wear on the structure. Some exposed rebar and crumbling concrete are visible as you drive over the structure.

 

When will the work begin?

 

“Since it hasn’t been awarded yet, we haven’t had the opportunity to speak with the construction,” said Nelson. “I anticipate that it will need to start by spring/early summer (of 2024) to be complete on time.”

 

One thing is known is the completion date as required by the contract. Nelson said the date is November 2026, which means this is a lengthy project and it also means traffic will be impacted.

 

“Traffic will be controlled by median crossovers to allow for each structure in each direction to be constructed as one unit,” said Nelson. “So, that means there will be one lane in each direction open to traffic during each phase of the project.”

 

There is also the possibility of complete closure. Nelson said detours will be set up, according to the construction plans, in the event of a short duration closure is needed. He said that would be most likely to occur during demolition and the setting of beams.

 

“There will be times will the rail trail under the bridge is also closed during the overhead activities, but the contractor is to limit those closures to only necessary activities,” Nelson said.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows some of the areas of the bridge that are in visible need of repair, while the sign on the bridge showing it crossing Salem Fork is below.