Traffic passes by on the newly widened section of I-64 near the 29th Street exit on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — An $18-million project that widened Interstate 64 in Huntington is “substantially complete,” although state officials say a reduced speed limit will remain in place until crews lay a final layer of asphalt next spring.
The project replaced an overpass and widened I-64 to three lanes, in both directions, from the 29th Street to Hal Greer Boulevard exits.
Crews reached substantial competition in mid to late November, but still need to install guardrails and lay a final layer of asphalt to meet federal guidelines, according to district engineer Chris Collins and spokeswoman Carrie Bly.
Those final touches will be the first order of business when asphalt plants open again, Collins said. They hope work will resume in late March or early April.
Both officials said federal guidelines require them to keep the 50-mph, work-zone speed limit in place…
