Interstate 79 construction will cause lane closures, delays

The West Virginia Division of Highways is preparing to place 16 concrete beams on the new bridge that crosses over the Interstate 79 interchange at mile marker 153.

Cranes will be used to put the beams in place, causing delays and closures starting Monday, Feb. 15, through Friday, Feb. 19. Construction will resume Monday, Feb. 22, through Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Major delays are expected between Exit 152 (Westover) and Exit 155 (Star City) between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The planned daily schedule is as follows:

Monday, Feb. 15: Delivery of crane and setup. Possible single lane closures northbound and southbound.

Tuesday, Feb. 16: Place four beams over northbound lanes. Periodic 30 minute closures of all northbound lanes.

Wednesday, Feb. 17: No beam placement; possible single lane closures for prep work and staging.

Thursday, Feb. 18: Place four beams over northbound lanes. Periodic 30 minute closures of all northbound lanes.

Friday, Feb. 19: Move crane to southbound lanes, possible single lane closures northbound and southbound

Monday, Feb. 22: Place four beams over southbound lanes. Periodic 30 minute closures of all southbound lanes.

Tuesday, Feb. 23: No beam placement; possible single lane closures for prep work and staging.

Wednesday, Feb. 24: Place four beams over southbound lanes. Periodic 30 minute closures of all southbound lanes.

Local traffic should use US 19 as an alternative route.

Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances may change the project schedule, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow additional time for their commute.