CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Division of Highways is addressing a series of recent crashes near the Interstate 77 and Interstate 64 split in Charleston, including incidents in which vehicles have left the interstate.
State Transportation Secretary Stephen Todd Rumbaugh issued a statement following the crashes in the Charleston area of Kanawha County, saying the agency is concerned about the recent incidents and is working on safety improvements.
“The West Virginia Division of Highways is concerned with the recent occurrence of crashes resulting in vehicles leaving the interstate, including the tragic event that occurred Friday, August 21, 2026.
Even prior to the most recent incidents, WVDOH engineers have been working to develop a project to install high friction surface treatment on several of the elevated portions of the interstate. We anticipate having those treatments installed later this fall.
We are closely coordinating with the Charleston Police Department to monitor crashes in this area and will determine additional countermeasures that may be implemented as they complete their crash investigations.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that a safe highway system is dependent on several components – safe roads, safe speeds, safe people, safe vehicles, and post-crash care. None is more important than the others.
The WVDOH takes our responsibility to design and build safe roads very seriously. We ask that everyone traveling the state’s roads and highways do their part to contribute to a safe highway system by driving at the posted speed limits, buckling up, and not driving while impaired or distracted. It takes all of us to prevent tragedies on our roadways; you do your part and we will keep working hard to do ours.”
The statement comes as WVDOH engineers were already developing plans to install high-friction surface treatment on several elevated portions of the interstate. According to Rumbaugh, the treatments are expected to be installed later this fall.
WVDOH is also coordinating with the Charleston Police Department as crash investigations continue. Rumbaugh said the agency will determine whether additional safety measures should be implemented based on those investigations.
Officials are also reminding drivers to follow posted speed limits, wear seat belts and avoid driving while impaired or distracted.
