Extra police patrols ordered in I-64 construction zone after three semi truck crashes in 24 hours

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is warning drivers to expect an increased police presence in an interstate construction zone after multiple semi truck crashes occurred in just 24 hours.

Officials say that from Thursday, November 7, 2024, through Friday, November 8, 2024, three tractor-trailer crashes shut down multiple lanes in the I-64 work zone through Cabell County, West Virginia.

“The crashes that occurred on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at this time are considered to be the result of driver error,” WVDOT said.

As a result of the series of crashes, WVDOT is asking the Barboursville Police Department to increase patrols in the work zone to deter further crashes.

Additionally, the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is planning to conduct a safety review of the I-64 work zone.

WVDOT said that as a result of the crashes, “the project experienced damage to the top 2 to 2.5 inches of asphalt in both locations; two temporary impact attenuators were destroyed and there was damage to the median wall. The asphalt and impact attenuators were repaired on Thursday and the median wall damage is being assessed for the total limits of repair. The WVDOH would never allow traffic on a roadway that is not safe; therefore the work to ensure safety was performed prior to reopening the roadway.”

Drivers are asked to slow down and pay attention in the construction zone.