All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDOH awards contract to replace six pairs of bridges on I-79

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) announced this week that Triton Construction Inc. was recently awarded a contract for $45,563,870 to replace three pairs of bridges on Interstate 79. The contract is from a bid letting conducted by the West Virginia Division of Highways on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

The project will replace the Narrow Bridges near Exit 136, the Little Creek Bridges near mile marker 140, and the Wades Run Bridges at mile marker 160 at the West Virginia state line. The bridges were built between 1966 and 1968.

The bridge replacement project is in conjunction with another construction project to renovate 13 other bridges along a 40-mile stretch of I-79 between Lost Creek and Interstate 68 near Morgantown.

In December, Gov. Jim Justice approved the award of a $62.455 million project to Triton Construction Inc. to renovate the spans. The two contracts will replace or renovate all the major bridges along I-79 in north central and northern West Virginia.

For a list of construction projects awarded by the WVDOH in January, click here.

Several factors are considered before awarding a bid, including whether a bid falls above or below the WVDOH Engineer’s Estimate and by what percentage. In cases where a bid is above the Engineer’s Estimate, WVDOH must consider the project need, repercussions of not awarding the project, additional funding sources, and whether sufficient reasons exist for the differences in estimates. Most projects are reviewed, analyzed, and awarded within a week of the bid letting, but the process can take longer.

When the Division of Highways has a project that is determined to be best constructed by a contractor, it is processed through the bid letting system. A letting is a scheduled opportunity for contractors to review and bid on several construction projects at one time. Lettings are held either once or twice per month and conducted through the Bid Express System online at www.bidx.com and handled through the Contract Administration Division. Contractors need to subscribe to Bid Express before bids can be accepted on any project.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

High Voltage Power Line

Equipment failure on transmission line causes widespread Upshur County power outage

An equipment failure on a transmission line feeding a French Creek substation knocked out power to about 4,000 Upshur County customers, with residents reporting bright flashes and loud booms.

Basketball Lady Bucs come up short at home against North Marion in 48-40 setback

Buckhannon-Upshur rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to cut the gap to five in the final minute but fell 48-40 at home to North Marion, with freshman Emma Pingley leading B-U with 13 points.

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.

Stockert Youth and Community Center eyes funding opportunities for new technology learning facility

Buckhannon residents are being asked to prioritize how a $1 million Weyerhaeuser THRIVE grant should be spent. Local leaders hope community support will steer the funds toward a new regional STEM center.

Senator Robbie Morris named chairman of Committee on Government Organization

Senate President Randy E. Smith has appointed Sen. Robbie Morris to chair the Senate Committee on Government Organization, citing its key role in overseeing agencies, regulations, and reforms for a more efficient, accountable state government.

Record-breaking year for labor and delivery at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital celebrated a record-breaking 2025 in labor and delivery, welcoming 373 babies—the most in its history for the critical access hospital.

Buckhannon City Council approves record $50,000 for 2026 Strawberry Festival

Buckhannon City Council voted to appropriate $50,000 for the 2026 West Virginia Strawberry Festival — the city’s largest contribution yet. Festival leaders say the increase will help offset uncertain state funding and boost entertainment and overall event quality.

Evid Eugene Miller

Evid Eugene Miller, 92, a Korean War U.S. Army veteran, well tender, devoted outdoorsman and Methodist from Buckhannon, died January 4, 2026, and is survived by his children, brother, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ryan Lantz

Ryan Lantz, 51, of Lauderhill, Florida, who loved baseball, football, hunting and fishing, died May 26, 2025; a Celebration of Life will be held Jan. 17, 2026, at South Buckhannon Mission Church, with donations suggested to St. Jude’s or the church.