WVDOT’s Roads to Prosperity Project Off to a Strong Start

In 2017, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced a new construction program known as “Roads to Prosperity.” This $2.8 billion program funds roadway and bridge construction throughout the state.

The program improves West Virginia’s infrastructure investments, which were underfunded in the past. It is designed for large infrastructure as well as  local and secondary infrastructure.

Where Are They Now?

The program has undertaken 1,263 projects and completed 1,200 of them. This includes 9,000 miles of paved roadways, which is the most of any project in state history. It has put people back to work and  rejuvenated West Virginia’s bridge and highway infrastructure.

“The Roads to Prosperity program saved the Department of Transportation – it saved the state,” said Jim Wriston, West Virginia State transportation secretary. “It laid the foundation for all the growth that we’ve seen in every sector across the state.”

Not only has West Virginia completed 1,200 projects, but the state has more than $4 billion invested in  active construction projects. An additional $1 billion for future construction projects is lined up once those are completed.

Funding for Rural Roads

It’s not stopping here. The governor is working with state legislators on several budget appropriations to grant the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) additional funds for rural roads.

“It is unbelievable what has happened in terms of taking care of our roads and upgrading our stuff,” said Justice “It drives economic growth to this state like crazy.”

This is another example of how investing in  infrastructure can provide a better experience for taxpayers while stimulating economic growth and innovation.

WVDOT and Short Span Steel Bridges

Did you know that the SSSBA worked with WVDOT to develop standards for short span steel bridges?

Earlier this year, Dr. Karl Barth, co-director of the SSSBA Bridge Technology Center and professor at West Virginia University, and Dr. Gregory Michaelson, co-director of  the SSSBA Bridge Technology Center and associate professor at Marshall University, worked with WVDOT to develop standard bridges plans for:

• Composite Rolled Beam Girders (6-11-foot spacings, 0-degree skew and 30-degree skew)
• Composite Plate Girders (6-11-foot spacings, 0-degree skew and 30-degree skew)

The plans included:

• Cross-section
• Span configuration
• Loadings
• State-specific practices for West Virginia and various details

“The standard plans, developed by the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance, will greatly enhance our ability to specify steel bridges for future short span projects,” said Joseph Neeley, district one design section head at the West Virginia Department of Transportation. “With over 7,000 bridges to maintain in West Virginia, we anticipate that these plans will help to create a more cost effective and efficient infrastructure system within our state.”

View the standard bridge plans on the West Virginia Department of Transportation website (see ​​3300 Series – Steel Superstructure)

Get Started with Developing Complimentary Standard Bridge Designs

Learn more about this complimentary service offered to state DOTs by downloading the document, “Automated Production of Robust Owner-Specific Steel Bridge Design Details”.

For questions, or to set up a meeting to discuss how you can get started developing complimentary standard bridge designs within your state, contact:

Karl E. Barth, Ph.D.
Co-Director, SSSBA Bridge Technology Center
Jack H. Samples Distinguished Professor at West Virginia University
Email: Karl.Barth@mail.wvu.edu

Gregory K. Michaelson, Ph.D., P.E.
Co-Director, SSSBA Bridge Technology Center
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering at Marshall University
Email: michaelson@marshall.edu

Dustin Young
Director, SSSBA
Director, Business Development, American Iron and Steel Institute
Email: dyoung@steel.org