Dunbar Toll Bridge project accepting public comments

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – After seven decades of use, one of Kanawha County’s oldest bridges could soon be rebuilt.

The West Virginia Department of Highways says the Dunbar Toll Bridge no longer meets current design standards and needs work. They are considering a few options to remedy it, including:

1. “No build or “do nothing” but continue routine maintenance”
2. “Structure rehabilitation”
3. “Structure replacement”
4. “New structure on parallel alignment to east”
5. “New structure on skewed alignment to east”

The bridge was built in 1953 and was known as the DL Salisbury Bridge until 1955.

Drivers who live in the area have mixed thoughts on what the DOH should decide. Damir Diehl lives next to the bridge and believes it is fine the way it is.

“Well besides it being right next to my residence, ain’t really no issue with the bridge. The traffic flow is perfectly fine,” Diehl said. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

For Terrance Nicholas, Sr., the bridge could use an upgrade.

“I would do just like they did at the Nitro-St. Albans Bridge. The Center Street Bridge in Nitro. I would do just the same,” Nicholas said.

Charlie Tiller remembers when the bridge was built in 1953. He agrees that the DOH should build a new one.

“I’d replace it,” Tiller said. “The bridge won’t stand another sandblasting. There’s nothing to sandblast no more. The metal. ’53 is what, 71 years old. How would you feel at 71? I’m 63 and I feel it.”

The DOH is currently accepting public comments on the project, which you can submit on their website. They are accepting feedback until Nov. 1.

Construction activities aren’t expected to begin on the project until 2028.

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