I-64 lane remains closed due to bridge repair

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Frustration, concern and anger were at the forefront of conversation on Tuesday as drivers expressed their concerns about repairs being made to a massive hole on Interstate 64.

The problem area is located at a spot in between the West Huntington and Kenova exits going eastbound.

On Tuesday, the left lane was still blocked off by cones, even though it was initially supposed to be open on that day.

A spokesperson with the West Virginia Department of Transportation said drivers should expect to be diverted to the new bridge by the end of the week.

WSAZ’s Abby Ayes talked with David Newton, a motorcyclist stopping to fill up his tank. He said it’s a miracle that no one was seriously injured and was thankful that one of his own wasn’t taking a ride in that direction that day.

“If any bike hits that right there and we don’t see it in time, it’s going to kill one of us. We’re out on the highway, and it’s a 50/50 chance. If one of those bikes hits it, we’re not going to make it. I mean, take a car hitting it, if it blows a tire, it’s going to cause that car to wreck and it could take more cars out with them,” Newton said.

While there were cars that were initially damaged by the hole, officials said no injuries have been reported.

As drivers wait for a seamless transition to the new bridge later this week, many whom Ayes talked with still found it scary to hear about. They said they will be remaining extra cautious going forward until the problem is fully repaired.

Links to WSAZ’s previous coverage can be found here.