Current and projected deficiencies in the highway network are based, in part, on analysis from RIC’s Charleston Metropolitan Transportation Plan travel demand model. The highway system studied here includes all interstates and US Route highways, all major and minor arterials, and most collectors. Congestion is defined in terms of level of service. Level of service is expressed as a letter grade, A through F, with E and F considered capacity deficient (highly congested). Locations that are identified as deficient, now or in the future, include:
WV 622, from I-64 to Rocky Fork (Cross Lanes)
WV 62 in Cross Lanes
I-64 through Dunbar, South Charleston and Charleston
WV 601 (Jefferson Road), from US 60 to US 119 (South Charleston)
US 119 (Corridor G) between I-64 and Southridge Center
WV 817 (former US 35) north of St. Albans
3rd Street in St. Albans
Kanawha Turnpike, near WV 601 (Jefferson Road)
US 60 from the Chelyan Bridge to Cedar Grove
A review of crash data also helps identify locations where improvements and/or additional study are warranted. Based on WVDOT crash data from 2009 to 2011, the highest concentrations of crashes generally existed at downtown intersections and along key commercial corridors – most often at entrances to malls, restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. Some specific locations identified included various intersections in downtown Charleston and Kanawha City.
Highway Recommendations
The Charleston Metropolitan Transportation Plan recommended highway projects based upon projected capacity deficiencies, accident information, as well as public and stakeholder input. That CMTP is cost-constrained, based upon estimated revenues. The recommendations from that plan are included here.
Recommendation Support the completion of major highway projects by 2026: Widen WV 601 (Jefferson Road) to 5 lanes from US 60 (MacCorkle Avenue to US 119 (Corridor G), correct offset intersection at Kanawha Turnpike and grade-separate CSX railroad crossing. Cost $55 million. Construct new bridge over Elk River, connecting US 119 to Coonskin Park, upgrade connecting roads. Cost $9 million. Construct RHL Boulevard connector from the Shops at Trace Fork to WV 601 (Jefferson Road). Cost $10 million. Add 3rd lane to US 119 (Corridor G) northbound from Cantley Drive to MacCorkle and improve operations. Cost $5.6 million. Add lanes to US 119 (Corridor G) from Lawndale Lane to MacCorkle Avenue and to the I-64 connector. Install Cantley flyover, build underpasses at Lucado Rd. and Oakwood Rd and improve operations. Cost $34.7 million. Improve intersection of WV 622 and WV 62 in Cross Lanes, including signal improvements and turn lanes. Cost $4.7 million. Widen and upgrade the 3rd St. railroad underpass in St. Albans. Cost $9.6 million. Add southbound left turn lane on WV 62 (W. Washington St.) at Woodrum Lane. Cost $0.6 million.
Recommendation Support the completion of major highway projects after 2026: Add third lane northbound on US 119 and improve operations from WV 601 (Jefferson Road) to Emerald Road. Cost $24.9 million. Widen US 60 to 4 lanes with median from Chelyan Bridge to Co. Rt. 81 (Kelly’s Creek Road). Cost $31.3 million. Implement center turn lanes and right turn lanes at various locations on US 60 from Co. Rt. 81 (Kelly’s Creek Road) to the Montgomery Bridge. Cost $14.4 million. Construct additional truck climbing lanes on WV 94. Cost $4.7 million.
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