OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — A months-long construction project on Interstate 70 begins Sunday, prompting warnings from local officials despite a recent decline in crashes along 2 Mile Hill.
One lane will be closed in both eastbound and westbound directions from Mile Marker 7 to the Pennsylvania state line through mid-July. Work will take place nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. as the West Virginia Division of Highways completes guardrail replacement.
Ohio County Sheriff Nelson Croft said his office has contracted with the paving company to station a deputy at the work site throughout the night. Lane closures typically increase incidents at all hours, he said.
The sheriff’s office is closely monitoring wrecks and traffic backups along I-70. Most incidents involve tractor-trailers, with speed and driver inattention cited as major factors.
Croft urged motorists to slow down through work zones, watch vehicles ahead and maintain adequate following distance.
In addition to overnight lane closures, shoulder closures in both directions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
