Early Foundations and Industrial Growth
Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, traces its origins to 1788 with the establishment of Fort Lee by George Clendenin. The city flourished in the 19th century due to its salt industry, which relied on enslaved labor and later coal extraction. By the early 20th century, railroads like the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (1873) and the Kanawha & Michigan (1884) cemented Charleston as a transportation hub, linking it to national markets. Notably, West Washington Street played a vital role in the city’s development and history. The completion of the James River & Kanawha Turnpike (now US 60) in the 1820s further enhanced regional connectivity.
The Rise of WV Route 25 and WV Route 62
WV Route 25
This 12.47-mile east-west highway connects Rock Branch to Charleston, terminating at US 60. Critical intersections include I-64 in Dunbar and WV 62, which intersects near Cross Lanes. Historically, WV 25 facilitated access to industrial areas and the Kanawha Valley, though its exact construction timeline remains undocumented.
WV Route 62
Originally part of US 35, WV 62 was redesignated after the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse. Stretching 100.83 miles from Dunbar to Ripley, it serves as a vital north-south corridor. Its southern terminus at WV 25 in Dunbar underscores its role in linking Charleston to rural communities and interstate systems like I-77. The route’s quirks—such as its “Believe It or Not Highway” nickname due to directional inconsistencies—reflect its historical evolution.
The 7th Avenue–West Washington Street Expressway
This expressway bridges US 60 (Washington Street) in Charleston to Dunbar, integrating key routes like WV 25 and I-64. Notable components include:
- Patrick Street Bridge: Crosses the Kanawha River, connecting downtown Charleston to South Charleston and Dunbar.
- I-64 Dunbar/South Charleston Bridge: A $196.5 million project completed in 2010, this six-lane bridge spans 2,950 feet over the Kanawha River, easing congestion for 78,000 daily vehicles. Its construction used innovative cantilever techniques, creating the longest concrete box girder span in the U.S. at the time.
- Integration with US 60: The Midland Trail (US 60) intersects with WV 25 at 7th Avenue, forming a critical junction for regional traffic.
Modern Developments and Challenges
Recent projects like the Cross Lanes Widening Project (WV 622) aim to reduce congestion near Andrew Jackson Middle School, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Woodward Drive bridge replacement in North Charleston highlights the state’s focus on aging infrastructure. These initiatives build on Charleston’s legacy as a crossroads of commerce and governance.
Conclusion
Charleston’s transportation network—from its salt-era flatboats to modern interstates—mirrors its economic and cultural evolution. WV 25, WV 62, and the 7th Avenue–West Washington Street Expressway exemplify how infrastructure shapes regional identity. As Charleston navigates population decline and industrial shifts, its highways remain arteries of resilience and connectivity.
Bibliography
- “Charleston, West Virginia.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston,_West_Virginia.
- “Cross Lanes Widening Project.” Cross Lanes Widening. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://crosslaneswidening.com/.
- “West Virginia Route 25.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_Route_25.
- “West Virginia Route 62.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia_Route_62.
- “I-64 Dunbar/South Charleston Bridge.” West Virginia Department of Transportation. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://transportation.wv.gov/highways/Highways-Projects/I-64_Dunbar_South_Charleston_Bridge/Pages/default.aspx.
- Andre, Richard A. “Charleston.” e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. Last modified June 25, 2024. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/entries/1048.
- “WVDOH Accepts Bids on Cross Lanes Widening Project.” West Virginia Department of Transportation. April 11, 2023. https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/WVDOH_accepts_bids_on_Cross_Lanes_widening_project.aspx.
- “U.S. Route 60 in West Virginia.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_60_in_West_Virginia.
- “2025 Releases.” West Virginia Department of Transportation. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/2025-Release.aspx.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
https://youtu.be/VPaWw8GZKWk
/run/user/1000/gvfs/smb-share:server=192.168.12.154,share=video/Video Workspace/5-18-2025/aRideWithMe5-25-2025.mkv
Visibility: Partly Cloudy
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Southridge (9:00)
US119/Corridor G – South Charleston (15:00)
West Washington Street – Charleston (25:00)
North Hills Road – Charleston (30:00)
Rocky Fork Road – Cross Lanes (40:00)
Limestone Road – Charleston (45:00)
Big Tyler Road – Cross Lanes (55:00)
I64 – Cross Lanes (1:05:00)
Kanawha Turnpike – South Charleston (1:15:00)
Chestnut Road – South Charleston (1:30:00)
Alum Creek
Childress Road – Alum Creek (1:45:30)
US119/Corridor G – South Charleston (2:00:00)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
