City-Owned Center Street Bridge to be See Complete Replacement as Part of $1.67 Million State Project
By Jeff Toquinto on June 03, 2025
For those wondering about traffic issues on Center Street between Philadelphia Avenue and Main Street, they will be continuing a little longer. But not for the current reason.
Last week, the West Virginia Division of Highways announced it had approved 27 bids for projects across the state. Among those projects approved was the replacement of the Center Street Bridge.
That means that once the project gets started, the current section that is one lane of traffic will not be accessible to use to go between Philadelphia Avenue and Main Street. Without the bridge replacement project, the single-lane status was expected to end in November, which is the time the Simpson Elementary School project is anticipated to be completed.
That changed with the announcement, The DOH accepted the low bid of RK Construction of Frametown of $1,670,777. Jason Nelson, WVDOH District Four Construction Engineer, said the bid was very closed to the engineer’s estimate.
Nelson provided information just a few days prior to the official awarding of the project to RK Construction. He talked about what he knew, at the time, of the project’s time frame.
“Since we haven't spoken with the contractor I do not know for sure (when it will start), but I anticipate it would have to begin this summer 
into early fall to be completed in time,” said Nelson.
into early fall to be completed in time,” said Nelson.
Nelson did have the planned completion date, which with all projects, is subject to change based on a multitude of factors. He said it is Nov. 15, 2026. One thing is set – the section of the road’s closure.
“Center Street will be closed in the areas immediately adjacent to the existing bridge,” said Nelson. “There is a detour in the plans that utilizes Philadelphia Avenue.”
As noted above, this is not a repair, but a complete replacement. And it will be even bigger than before when finished.
“This is a full replacement and widening of the current structure. The new structure will be able to accommodate three 11-foot lanes with a full sidewalk. Additionally, there are some minor roadway drainage upgrades, sewer line relocation, and decorative lighting installation,” said Nelson.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Center Street prior to the one-lane closure. Second image shows how it looks currently.
