Phase 5 construction began July 1, 2024, and is currently underway.
About the projects
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is excited to announce that construction has begun on both contracts to reconstruct MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City. Construction on Contract 1 from 33rd to 40th street began April 2022. Construction on Contract 2 from 40th to 58th street began February 20, 2023.
Contract 1 involves the removal of the existing roadway and reconstruction with all new subgrade material and pavement along with new drainage structures, curbing, sidewalks, signage and lighting.
Contract 2 involves the removal of the existing roadway surface to the existing concrete. The existing concrete will be repaired and a new roadway surface will be constructed to provide a long-lasting smooth roadway surface.
Live traffic feed
WV-61 at 39th Street
WV-61 at 35th Street
Construction phases – 33rd to 40th Street
Construction phases for Contract 1 Kanawha City 33rd to 40th Street are below. Please click each phase to learn more about the proposed construction schedule and how it may affect your travel times. Zoom in for a more detailed view of traffic patterns and where work will be taking place. Click on the shaded areas in the map for more details.
Phase 5: Median Curbs/Islands and Center Turn Lanes
All traffic will utilize newly constructed northbound and southbound lanes while final construction of median curbs and islands are completed.
Phase 1: Median/Turn Lane Reconstruction
Phase 1 of the project was completed in June 2022. Northbound and southbound traffic will utilize two lanes each restricted to 10 feet wide while the median and center turn lane areas are removed and reconstructed.
Phase 2: Reconstruction West Side of Roadway
All traffic will be shifted to the east. Southbound traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed roadway in the median and center turn lane area. Northbound traffic will remain on existing northbound roadway. The work area will be on the west side of the roadway.
Phase 3: Reconstruction East Side of Roadway
All traffic will be shifted to the west. Northbound traffic will utilize the newly constructed roadway in the median and center turn lane area. Southbound traffic will utilize the newly constructed roadway finished in Phase 2 located on the west side of the existing roadway. The work area will be on the east side of the roadway.
Phase 4: Sidewalk and Curb Reconstruction
All traffic will utilize newly constructed roadway and future turn lane areas while existing sidewalks and curbing are removed and reconstructed on the east and west side of the project. New roadway lighting, signage and signals will be installed.
Phase 5-Median Curbs/Islands and Center Turn Lanes (Final)
All traffic will utilize newly constructed Northbound and Southbound lanes while final construction of median curbs and islands are completed.
Phase 1- Median/Turn Lane Reconstruction
Northbound and Southbound traffic will utilize 2-lanes each restricted to 10 feet wide while the median and center turn lane areas are removed and reconstructed.
Phase 2-Reconstruction West Side of Roadway
All traffic will be shifted to the East. Southbound traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed roadway in the median and center turn lane area. North bound traffic will remain on existing northbound roadway. Work area will be on the West side of the roadway.
Phase 3-Reconstruction East Side of Roadway
All traffic will be shifted to the West. Northbound traffic will utilize the newly constructed roadway in the median and center turn lane area. Southbound traffic will utilize the newly constructed roadway finished in phase 2 located on the west side of the existing roadway.
Phase 4-Sidewalk and Curb Reconstruction
All traffic will utilize newly constructed roadway and future turn lane areas while existing sidewalks and curbing are removed and reconstructed on the East and West side of the project. New roadway lighting, signage and signals will be installed.
Phase 5-Median Curbs/Islands and Center Turn Lanes (Final)
All traffic will utilize newly constructed Northbound and Southbound lanes while final construction of median curbs and islands are completed.
Construction phases – 40th to 58th Street
Construction phases for Contract 2 Kanawha City 40th to 58th Street are being performed in nine-block segments. See map below where current construction is taking place. Please expect one-lane closures during daytime operations.
Frequently asked questions
When will the project begin?
Contract 1 began April 11, 2022. Contract 2 will begin February 20, 2023.
How long will the project last?
Contract 1, 33rd to 40th Street is scheduled to be completed in the Fall of 2024. Contract 2, 40th to 58th Street was completed April 17, 2024.
Why is this project taking so long?
Both contracts will require the total reconstruction of the roadway. To lessen the impact to the public, the West Virginia Division of Highways elected to utilize phased construction with small construction stages which increases the time of the project.
Will work be completed at night or during the day?
Work will be conducted both during the day and the night. To prevent traffic issues, more intrusive work will be done at night to keep traffic impacts to a minimum.
How many lanes of traffic will be closed during the project?
Please see the construction phases description located within this website to see detailed information on how two Northbound and Southbound lanes of traffic will be maintained.
Will there be detours during the project?
Construction is being performed in small stages, eliminating the need for detours. If emergencies are encountered, detours may be put in place as per the project’s Traffic Management Plan.
Will pedestrian traffic be affected during the project?
Due to the nature of the project, sidewalks will be removed and reconstructed. Accommodations for pedestrian traffic will be provided.
As a business owner will I be notified when construction may interfere with my business location?
Businesses affected by any construction activities will be notified in advance to the construction schedule in their area and steps will be taken to limit impacts to vehicular or pedestrian traffic to their location.
Will emergency response such as fire, ambulance or police be hindered?
To prevent any of these issues, additional communication has been put in place with all emergency response stakeholders in the area.
If traveling to the area should I expect delays?
Minimal delays should be expected. Please check the website prior to visiting the area so that you can be advised of where active construction is taking place. It is recommended you allow additional time and leave early if travelling in the area. Please recognize peak traffic times will have more of an effect than others.
How can I get project updates and where construction is ongoing?
Please visit the Traffic Impacts section of this website.
Why is Contract 2 of the project from 40th to 58th street being performed in a 9-block area instead of 2 blocks as initially planned?
It was determined by the WV Division of Highways that the project could be completed sooner and more efficiently by doing work in larger increments. It is anticipated that this will enable the project from 40th to 58th street to be completed by Fall of 2023, ahead of the scheduled completion date of Summer 2024.
Why does it appear that construction activities are slower at certain times?
There are many hurdles that can slow the operations taking place during the completion of the project. Some that have been encountered are:
- Availability of materials
- Inclement weather
- Discovery of unmarked utilities
- Discovery of active utilities that need repaired before work can resume
- Equipment breakdowns
Is the project on schedule to meet the contractual completion dates?
Yes. Both contracts are on schedule. It is also anticipated that Contract 2, 40th to 58th street, will be completed ahead of schedule.
Contact Us
For questions or comments regarding this project, please email us.
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