PUTNAM COUNTY, WV — While overlooking the Interstate 64 Nitro/St. Albans Bridge, Gov. Jim Justice and leaders from the West Virginia Department of Transportation announced that the contract for the major project to expand and revamp the I-64 Nitro/St. Albans Bridge has been awarded to the joint venture of Brayman Construction and Trumbull Construction.

“It is an incredible project that is needed so badly,” Justice said. “It’s needed from the standpoint of congestion, but it’s also needed so badly from the standpoint of safety.”

A low bid of $224.4 million earned Brayman-Trumbull the contract for this large-scale project that aims to eliminate regular congestion, while also making the area safer for motorists.

The contract calls for both the design and construction of the project, so the formal design for the work has yet to be finalized. However, crews have a tentative plan of how they anticipate proceeding, generally.

The intention is to build an entirely new bridge over the Kanawha River — north of the existing bridge — which will carry solely westbound traffic on I-64; in the direction of Huntington. Then, the existing Legg Memorial Bridge on I-64 will be revamped and will be used to carry solely eastbound traffic on I-64; in the direction of Charleston.

However, the project extends beyond the Kanawha River. The improvement work will span a grand total of 3.8 miles of I-64 between Nitro and Scott Depot, with additional roadway widening and overpass bridge replacements planned within the scope of work.

Department officials estimate the improvements will provide another 100 years of service life to travelers. The project is currently projected to be finished by October 2023.

“It is an absolutely incredible day,” Justice said. “Everyone who lives in the communities nearby or who drive the interstate to work should be really proud and really excited for what's coming next with this project.”