Capital Connector Project Moves to Construction Bidding Phase

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The City of Charleston is taking the next major step in the Capital Connector Project as the approximately $25 million infrastructure project moves into the construction bidding phase. The milestone follows several years of planning, design and public input, with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, West Virginia Department of Transportation, West Virginia’s congressional delegation and community partners. The City received a $1.75 million RAISE planning grant in 2021 and a $24,995,250 RAISE construction grant in 2024.

“Major infrastructure projects like the Capital Connector take time—from securing the funding and studying the corridor to listening to the community, developing the plans and working with our federal and state partners,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Going out to bid for construction is a significant step toward delivering on this major investment in safety and connectivity along one of our Capital City’s most traveled corridors.” 

The Capital Connector will build on the transformation of Kanawha Boulevard West completed in 2018, extending improvements from the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and Tennessee Avenue at Magic Island, under I-64, across the Kanawha Boulevard Bridge, through downtown Charleston and to the 35th Street Bridge. The project also includes the quarter-mile section of Greenbrier Street between Kanawha Boulevard and Washington Street.

Planned improvements include a separated shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians; new and improved crosswalks; upgrades at signalized intersections; traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety improvements; streetscaping; green infrastructure and stormwater improvements; LED lighting; wayfinding signage; and improvements to support public transit along the corridor.

Since receiving the planning grant in 2021, the City has worked with GAI Consultants to move the Capital Connector through the planning and design process, including traffic analysis, surveying and development of roadway and conceptual plans.

Community input has also helped shape the project. The City and GAI hosted three public meetings throughout 2024, beginning with the project kickoff and initial public input in May, followed by a first look at the draft concept plan in August and review of the Capital Connector Master Plan in December.

The Capital Connector will connect with West Virginia Department of Transportation investments in the South Side, 35th Street and Kanawha River bridges to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections on both sides of the Kanawha River.

BID INFORMATION: The Capital Connector Project is now advertised for bid, with sealed bids due via Bid Express on or before Thursday, December 3. Bid documents, project specifications, and information regarding the bidding process are available on the City’s purchasing website and Bid Express. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for interested bidders will be held on Thursday, October 29. Questions about the bid process can be directed to bids@cityofcharleston.org.  

Additional information regarding the construction schedule, traffic impacts, and project phasing will be shared as those details are finalized.