WHEELING — Beginning Monday, a single left lane restriction will be implemented for about five months on a small section of Interstate 70 west in the Fulton Bridge area of the I-70 Bridges Project.

Swank Construction is moving forward with work on the eastbound side of the highway in that area, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the far left lane of I-70 west between the on-ramp from National Road near Perkins restaurant to the W.Va. 2 south/16th Street off-ramp will be narrowed from three lanes to two lanes for access and safety reasons as Swank enters the construction phase of the eastbound side of the highway in that area.

West Virginia Division of Highways Area Engineer Mike Witherow said the closure of the far left lane of I-70 west is needed to provide Swank crews better access to a small section of roadway on the eastbound side of the highway in that area.

“It’s there to provide safe access for the eastbound work,” Witherow said. The far right lane along that stretch of highway eventually exits at the W.Va. 2 south/16th Street off-ramp.

Currently Swank Construction has several large cranes set up in that location next to the highway. Witherow said they don’t expect the lane restriction to have an impact on traffic in that area since there is already one-lane traffic going into the Wheeling Tunnel for I-70 west through traffic and on the west side of the Wheeling Tunnel where construction is still underway.

Motorists are advised to be alert for changing traffic patterns and to expect delays.

Any questions or concerns regarding the I-70 Bridges Project can be directed to the hotline at 304-810-3214.

For additional information regarding the project, visit www.i70forward.com. Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule.