WVDOH levels the I-64 “Nitro dip” at US-25 bridge

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) says the long-reported dip on I-64 eastbound near Nitro/St. Albans has been largely eliminated following mid-July repairs at the US-25 bridge. Crews lifted the concrete approach slabs so they meet the bridge deck more smoothly, addressing a spot that drew persistent complaints from drivers since the corridor’s reconstruction.

How the repair was done. Contractors drilled small access holes through the approach slabs and injected a two-part polyurethane beneath the concrete. The material expands, fills voids, and raises the slab in controlled increments. This method is commonly used to correct settlement at bridge transitions and was selected to minimize demolition and keep the interstate operational during work.

Timing and traffic control. Work was scheduled overnight for approximately two weeks in mid-July, generally 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews alternated lane closures and restored full capacity by morning. WVDOH said the schedule was chosen to reduce impacts on peak-hour traffic through the Nitro–St. Albans area.

What drivers should notice now. The transition at the bridge is more level and the harsh jolt that prompted “DIP” warnings has been reduced substantially. WVDOH indicates the location will be monitored over the coming weeks. If minor adjustments are needed, additional spot lifting or diamond grinding could be performed during overnight windows without extended closures.

Complaints about quality. The dip became a focal point for public frustration in recent months. Motorists questioned why a noticeable defect appeared so soon after major construction in the corridor and whether workmanship or specification decisions contributed to the problem. Local officials also fielded calls and messages about the rough ride and the timeline for corrective work. WVDOH has emphasized that settlement at bridge approaches is a known maintenance issue on high-volume highways and that targeted lifting is an established remedy. Even so, the agency faces ongoing scrutiny to ensure that newly opened segments meet expected performance standards.

Why this spot settled. Bridge approaches are a frequent maintenance hotspot because pavement and structures respond differently to loads and subsurface conditions. Over time, differential settlement can create a depression or bump at the transition. In a high-speed environment like I-64, even small mismatches are noticeable to drivers and can add stress to vehicles.

What comes next. With the initial lift completed, WVDOH’s next steps are routine observation and any necessary fine-tuning. The agency has not announced additional daytime lane closures tied to this fix. Any follow-up would likely occur overnight and be brief. Drivers should continue to follow posted work-zone signs if crews return to perform grinding or sealing.

Location reference. The repair area is on I-64 eastbound at the US-25 bridge between the Nitro and St. Albans interchanges.

If you continue to experience a noticeable bump or see renewed settlement at this location, please report it. Field reports help WVDOH schedule quick corrective work and verify that the repair is holding under daily traffic.