ToquiNotes: Section of I-79 Between Bridgeport and Clarksburg Needs Attention - Is DOH Help Coming?
By Jeff Toquinto on June 14, 2025 from ToquiNotes
The stretch of highway between Route 50’s exit and entrance onto Interstate 79 and the exit and entrance onto the interstate at Johnson Avenue have seen better days. Borrowing a line from Dave Chappelle, the road looks “bombed out and depleted.”
Granted, several days of heavy pothole repair and patching weeks ago have made it go from potential rim buster to almost certain bumpy ride. Even with that, the road, by even the most casual of layman’s eyes, needs repair.
The bad news? It is not happening this summer. The good news? It is happening.
During a recent press conference at the West Virginia Division of Highways District Four offices in Bridgeport, Gov. Patrick Morrisey pointed out William E. Gaskins. Gaskins is the district manager for the WVDOH.
For whatever reason, once I saw him, I decided to see the status and tracked him down as soon as the press conference by the governor was complete. He was more than just helpful when asked about the future of the road in question.
In fact, he had better news regarding the roadway.
“When the project goes, it will run from Saltwell to Quiet Dell,” said Gaskins. “It is a total repave and regrade that will also require some corrections.”
The project will consist of all four lanes and ramps in those areas. They will also have milling as part of the effort. Gaskins said there is also a retaining wall along the stretch of roadway that will be worked on as well
“It’s a pretty extensive project,” said Gaskins.
For those dismayed about the state of the road, in order to get it fixed there will be another issue. There will be lane closures.
“There are going to be lane closures throughout the duration of the project,” he said. “We’re looking at the construction phase to start at 
the first part of next spring.”
the first part of next spring.”
Gaskins said the project is currently in the hands of a consultant. Drawings are being done, he said, at the present time and a review process also needs to take place as well as making sure everything is in line with the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration).
“We’re hoping for an August or September letting (this year),” said Gaskins. “Once approved, we’ll be hoping for the spring construction (in 2026).”
With the project not designed – and yes massive paving projects on four-lanes of roadway need design work – and accepted, or for that matter, even out, knowing the cost is al unknown.
However, I did query Gaskins if this was an eight-figure project. His answer was not a surprise. He shook his head yes.
“This is substantial,” he said.
So, there you go. A situation that has impacted nearly every single driver in Harrison County and everyone traversing the state across Interstate 79 is set to be fixed. Although not as soon as most would like, it is coming.
That is not only good news for drivers. That is good news for everyone’s vehicles as well. And for that, we can deal with the headache of a few lane closures as it takes place.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows patch work being done on I-79, while bottom photo shows William E. Gaskins talking with Harrison County Delegate Laura Kimble.
