Charleston Will Begin Fort Hill Bridge Rehabilitation

Construction on the Interstate 64 bridge is set to commence on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Car Maintenance

A large steel highway bridge spans a wide river in an urban landscape under a diffuse, overcast sky. — Charleston will begin a $74.5 million rehabilitation project on the Fort Hill Bridge over the Kanawha River starting Tuesday, October 6, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support the planned multi-year rehabilitation of major local bridge infrastructure despite anticipated travel delays?

Crews will begin the first phase of the $74.5 million rehabilitation project on Charleston's Fort Hill Bridge on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The aging span, which crosses the Kanawha River, currently supports nearly 100,000 vehicles every day.

Why it matters

The project is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the Interstate 64 bridge, which was originally constructed in 1975. The rehabilitation will ensure the long-term safety and capacity of this vital transit corridor for the city.

The Fort Hill Bridge, built in 1975, currently carries nearly 100,000 vehicles across the Kanawha River each day. The total budget for the comprehensive rehabilitation project is set at $74.5 million.

The players

Triton Construction

This is the construction firm contracted to handle the bridge rehabilitation and traffic management phases.

The details

Crews will install two crossovers to facilitate traffic movement to one side of the bridge during the construction process. Work is scheduled to occur during nights and weekends using lane closures to minimize impact on drivers.

Original construction of the bridge occurred in 1975.
Construction work begins on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Triton Construction will shift traffic to eastbound lanes in early 2027.
Full project completion is expected by the spring of 2028.

Roadmap

This project represents a critical phase in managing mid-century highway infrastructure as bridges reach their design life limits. The work aligns with national efforts to modernize aging transit corridors while managing the massive daily volumes required for modern commerce.

Charleston drivers should expect recurring overnight and weekend lane closures for the duration of the construction. These modifications to traffic flow are necessary to facilitate the bridge improvements while keeping the roadway operational.

The takeaway

Commuters should prepare for long-term construction patterns through the spring of 2028. Planning for nighttime and weekend delays will be essential for those who rely on Interstate 64 for daily travel.