WVDOH Reopens Rutledge Road Bridge in Charleston Two Weeks Ahead of Schedule
Key Takeaways
- Rutledge Road Bridge reopened two weeks early, restoring access for Charleston-area motorists.
- The bridge was closed in August after inspectors discovered critical support beam deterioration.
- WVDOH bridge crews demolished and rebuilt the structure in just over two months.
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has reopened the Rutledge Road Bridge in Charleston two weeks early, beating its mid-November completion target, according to the agency’s press release.
The bridge has been closed since August after an inspection identified deterioration in the support beams beneath the structure, according to a release from WVDOH. Prior to its closure, traffic was already restricted to a single lane.
Expedited Construction to Restore Critical Access
WVDOH fast-tracked the bridge replacement to reduce traffic congestion and eliminate unsafe detours for school buses and emergency responders, WCHS ABC 8 reported.
Throughout August and September, District 1 bridge crews demolished the aging structure, drilled new bridge pilings and constructed new concrete abutments, before installing a steel superstructure for the new span, according to WVDOH.
In late October, crews poured the new concrete bridge deck, followed by paving the approaches and installing new guardrails in early November — completing all major work two weeks ahead of schedule, WVDOH’s release stated.
Sources: WVDOH, WCHS ABC 8