Reports of traffic backups on Interstate 79 between Star City, Pa., and Mount Morris, Pa., have been traced to construction on the Wades Run bridge rather than the influx of West Virginia University (WVU) fans on game day.
Construction identified as primary cause
Greene County Emergency Management Director Richard Policz learned of a backup around 10 a.m. Saturday. He emphasized that the congestion is not the fault of any West Virginia agency, including WVU. Policz noted that his Monongalia County counterpart, Jimmy Smith, alerted him to the construction site about a mile south of Mount Morris, extending into Pennsylvania.
Smith did not respond to requests for comment.
Transportation officials confirm smooth flow elsewhere
Rusty Marks of the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) said traffic was generally smooth over the weekend, but directed further questions to William Gaskins, Transportation District 4 manager. Gaskins replied by email that the Wades Run bridge, located at mile marker 160 between Mount Morris and Morgantown, is being rebuilt by Triton Construction. Work began in early 2024, with an original schedule to open two lanes in each direction by the end of this year. However, the contractor is experiencing delays that push the projected completion to early 2027. Because project staff are not on‑site on weekends, Gaskins said no incidents were reported on Saturday, September 5, 2026, and all traffic control measures are in place according to approved plans.
Impact on motorists and safety concerns
Policz acknowledged that WVU game‑day fans may add to traffic volume, but the closed lane in each direction at the construction site has caused problems in the past. Since January 1, his agency has fielded 140 calls about traffic in the area, many involving accidents and emergencies. At least one of those incidents resulted in a fatality.
West Virginia State Police handle traffic duties at key intersections, including Chaplin Road and U.S. 19. Sergeant M. Bailey said traffic on Saturday was no worse than during other WVU football games, adding, “Then again, that traffic is always terrible.” He noted that the location of Milan Puskar Stadium in the heart of town creates a “nightmare” when large crowds converge.
Granville Police Chief Brian Hill reported no unusual traffic complaints from his department, and his officers did not observe any problems related to the game.
Advice for drivers
Policz, a WVU fan himself, urged motorists traveling through the construction zone to stay attentive and obey the posted speed limit. “Backing up happens instantaneously and that’s when you have rear‑ended accidents,” he warned.
WVU’s next home game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. against UT Martin. The first Big 12 opponent to visit Morgantown will be Oklahoma State on September 26, with kickoff time yet to be announced.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
