CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A mudslide caused by heavy rains blocked a large storm drain on the West Virginia Turnpike Thursday night, leading to flooding that forced the complete closure of the northbound lanes.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill for hours.
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One northbound lane reopened early Friday morning, June 27, 2025, but congestion persisted.
In a statement, West Virginia Parkways Authority Executive Director Chuck Smith acknowledged the agency’s failure to provide a timely detour route for stranded drivers.
“Traffic should have been detoured to allow drivers an alternate route around the mudslide,” Smith said. “We are grateful that there were no injuries as a result of the flooding and traffic stoppage.”
Smith said the Parkways Authority takes full responsibility for the handling of the situation and assured the public that changes are already underway.
At the direction of Governor Patrick Morrisey, the agency is now reviewing and updating its policies regarding Turnpike closures and detours to prevent a repeat of the incident.
