WVDOT Recognizes I-79 Interchange with Engineering Excellence Award
WVDOT Deputy State Highway Engineer Todd Rumbaugh, PE (left) presents B&N Project Manager Matt Lewellyn, PE with the 2014 Engineering Excellence Award.The new I-79 Interchange in Morgantown, West Virginia received the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s (WVDOT) 2014 Engineering Excellence Award in the Large Roadway Category. The award was presented to Burgess & Niple (B&N) during the West Virginia American Council of Engineering Companies Joint Transportation Meeting held on October 15th.
The new interchange is designed to improve access to this growing area. The three existing I-79 interchanges in Morgantown currently are congested during peak hours. Traffic volumes are expected to increase due to planned development in the surrounding area. Adding a fourth interchange will help alleviate congestion, reduce traffic conflicts, and improve safety and access to local roads.
Working closely with WVDOT, B&N completed the interchange design study, environmental assessment and preliminary plans. This portion of the project was completed in just six months to prepare for 180 acres of commercial development, new hospital facilities and a new community baseball stadium.
WVDOT is proceeding with plans proposed by B&N for a traditional diamond interchange with a roundabout at the southbound ramp intersection. This design is expected to meet the heavy demand for left turns. It increases capacity by efficiently moving two lanes of traffic through the intersection during the morning and evening peak periods.
Construction of the new I-79 interchange is expected to be complete in June 2016.