Gov. Jim Justice gave updates Wednesday on two major highway projects in different parts of the state.
The structural steel for the new Interstate 64 Nitro-St. Albans bridge is almost complete.
Jason Foster, chief engineer of development at the West Virginia Department of Highways, said 2 million tons of steel would be lifted in place on Wednesday.
Next he said, concrete would be poured and asphalt laid to have the new bridge ready for traffic by next spring or summer. Another span opened last year.
“We’re just really excited about this project and the opportunity to have it completed and open to traffic,” Foster said.
In the Eastern Panhandle, U.S. 340 around Harpers Ferry will be closed for 90 days starting on Sept. 12. Contractors will work to stabilize rock formations in the area to improve safety.
“We will have the road reopened by Christmas for the region’s shopping season,” Foster said.
Foster said the Appalachian Trail would remain open through the area.
Information on the 22-mile detour is available at us340harpersferry.com.