Contractors are continuing to hoist bridge girders into place over WV 817 as steel work continues on the new World War I Memorial Bridge over the Kanawha River on Interstate 64.

The bridge is part of the $244.4 million project to widen 3.8 miles of I-64 to six lanes, and to eight lanes between Nitro and St. Albans. When completed the new bridge will carry all westbound I-64 traffic. The existing span will carry eastbound traffic.

Contractors began lifting girders into place on Monday, February 21, using two cranes, one on a barge in the Kanawha and the other on the western shore. Crews will bolt gridders together in mid-air.

A total of 10 girders are to be hoisted onto their supports on the western end of the new bridge. Because the girders will be lifted above WV 817, traffic will be periodically disrupted while the girders are hoisted into place. Work is scheduled between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

The I-64 widening project also includes replacing I-64 bridges that cross Conrail railroad tracks, Rocky Step Road and McCloud Road. The Bills Creek Road Bridge over I-64 has been completed and is in service.