WVDOT begins Road work and lowers speed limits at Charleston I-64 split

WVDOT begins Road work and lowers speed limits at Charleston I-64 split

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High-Friction Surface Treatment Begins at the Charleston I-64/77 Split After Eight Deaths

Since May 2025, six crashes have claimed eight lives at the I-64 and I-77 split in Charleston, with every fatal incident sharing the same mechanism: a vehicle up and over the barrier. Now, the West Virginia Department of Transportation is moving forward with engineering interventions.

Contractors launched remedial work on a Wednesday morning to mill the pavement before laying down a high-friction surface treatment across the split. The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) stated that crews will spend seven to 10 days completing the surface overhaul during daytime hours, prompting warnings for drivers to anticipate minor delays.

Lower Speed Limits and Stepped-Up Enforcement

New speed limit signs went up last Thursday, dropping the limit to 50 mph. The reduced limit affects North/Westbound I-77 and I-64 from the 35th/36th Street bridges, Southbound I-77 from Westmoreland Road, and Eastbound I-64 between Montrose Drive and Oakwood Road.

West Virginia State Police and Charleston Police are stepping up enforcement of the new limit.

“The speed limit is going to be a hard adjustment. I’ve been driving through there for three days and I’m scared I’m going to get a ticket,” said driver and Charleston resident Pamela Ferrel.

Beyond the surface treatment and speed restrictions, crews have installed new chevron signs to mark the sharp curves at the split. WVDOT spokesman Brent Walker explained that these changes respond directly to public demand for slower speeds, better signage, flashing lights, and arrows warning of the sharp turn.

Longer-Term Infrastructure Studies Underway

WVDOT officials confirmed they are studying raising the height of the barrier wall. A full traffic study of the corridor is also underway.

Authorities are urging motorists to drive the limit, stay off phones, and expect a slower roll through the capital city.

More on this story: SCDOT Fires Contractor After I-26 Lane Closure Delay

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