MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Structurally deficient bridges continue to be a major issue on West Virginia highways.
West Virginia is ranked 30th in the nation for the overall conditions of its roads and bridge, up three from last year in an annual report by the Reason Foundation.
Bridges have been or near stuck at the bottom for the last five years and are an unofficial 50 now with the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges.
“We have some aging bridges and they need some attention,” Division of Highways communications director Brent Walker said. “We have some challenges in doing that, but it is a priority of this administration to pay attention to those.»
While the state has made some progress, recent problems have detoured Mason County Drivers.
One of those detours is along Plain Valley, a road less traveled in Mason County
A bridge in the area with a four-ton weight limit closed after recent inspections that showed problems with the span’s support system.
The first plan for a fix calls for bringing in a temporary bridge from another location.
Mason County drivers are dealing with another bridge problem on West Virginia 62.
Just outside of Point Pleasant, inspectors discovered structural problems with the abutment underneath it. It was closed, but now a temporary, single-lane bridge is in place while a permanent replacement is planned.
“This summer and over the next five years, particularly in the Kanawha Valley, you’re seeing a major focus of bridges and we’ll be working to repair and replace well over 30 bridges around the Kanawha Valley.
Lawmakers and the governor recently approved $125 million for secondary road work which will include some bridges.
It’s difficult to keep track of the state’s 7,200 spans, but as of now West Virginia is still in the double-digit percent of bridge deficiency.
Lawmakers have allocated $125 million for improvements along West Virginia’s secondary roads. (WCHS)
