WVDOH workers position three massive I-beams while making emergency repairs to the bridge at the entrance to Lexington Estates in Hurricane on Friday, December 19.

The bridge over Big Hurricane Creek that served as the entrance to Lexington Estates is no more. The structure, owned by the City of Hurricane, had been slated to be replaced at a not yet to-be-determined time. On Wednesday, December 17, the WVDOH inspected the bridge and informed the city that an immediate repair was necessary.

The bridge which serves as the sole entrance to the subdivision was closed and temporary fix was completed on Friday, December 19.

Hurricane City Manager Andy Skidmore said that the city will be required to reimburse the State for the repair but that a new bridge will be built using federal funds which the city is obtaining through the State. The design of the new bridge is projected to be finalized in April and put out for bid this summer.

Skidmore reported that the WVDOH will be present at the January 5 city council meeting to provide a project update.

The rapid response by the DOH to the emergency was possible because the I-beams needed were in storage and available at Barboursville. City officials will recognize the DOH’s quick response at the council meeting.

The temporary bridge will be disassembled and I-beams returned to Barboursville when the new bridge is installed.