WVDOT’s new website helps drivers stay informed on upcoming bridge projects

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia Department of Transportation Assistant Director Dirar Ahmad is one of many people who drive across bridges every day in West Virginia.

“I live in South Charleston,” Ahmad said. “This is really very dear to my heart.”

Ahmad doesn’t see bridges as just concrete and steel, but as an essential connector for his own community.

“This is a lifetime opportunity,” Ahmad said.

In order to help save time during your drives, the West Virginia Department of Transportation has launched a website to show what’s coming, when it’s coming, and how to plan around the more than 50 planned and active bridge projects in the Charleston Metro area.

Projects included: Fort Hill Bridge, Quarrier Street Bridge, and the Capitol Connector.

Ahmad said this will help minimize traffic backups and provide transparency to drivers.

“We’re going to go through difficulty for two, three, four years,” Ahmad said. “But West Virginia, Charleston, I know you understand. I know you will get this. I know you are rooting for our success. And we love you. We care about you.”

Ahmad said the website shows an overview of the projects — including goals, locations, and details on the type of repairs or replacements planned for each project.

“We’ll do everything humanly possible to make it easier for you to move from point A to point B,” Ahmad said. “And we’ll always, always have your back.”

While construction may make your commute longer, Ahmad says it’s worth it because maintaining safe and reliable bridges will improve your drive.

“To me personally, as an engineer, improving lives, protecting lives, means a lot to me,” Ahmad said. “We swear an oath on that. And we put it into action every single day.”

The West Virginia Department of Transportation said the website will be updated regularly as work progresses on the projects.