The state’s Interstate highway system is a monumental achievement. Since construction began on the first stretch in 1956, total vehicle miles of travel on Interstate highways in West Virginia have increased 273 percent. While only accounting for 3 percent of all roadway lane miles in West Virginia, the state’s seven Interstates carry 28 percent of all vehicle traffic. However, this success has come with a high price tag for the future.
- One percent of West Virginia’s highway pavements are in poor condition, and another 9 percent are in mediocre condition. An additional 9 percent of Interstate pavements in the state are in fair condition.
- Travel on interstate highways is expected to increase by another 67 percent by the year 2026.
- The state will need to add additional lanes along 142 miles of its existing 555-mile Interstate system by the year 2026 in order to relieve growing traffic congestion.
- By 2026, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the state’s Interstate highway system will be in need of significant rehabilitation or reconstruction to provide a smooth pavement surface.
