There’s something weird going on in West Virginia. There’s a patch of road on I-77 that’s under construction, so trucks are being directed onto a detour. But whether drivers are missing the signs or ignoring them, many are still driving in prohibited areas. So many in fact that the county magistrate’s office and court system are overflowing with angry drivers who want to contest their traffic tickets.
According to authorities, highway signs have been set up miles before the detour. The contractor doing the road work has even hired off-duty deputies to do traffic control. But still some trucks are just driving right on through.
“Even with having officers down there at the tunnel directing trucks to take the exit, they’re still blowing the exit, ignoring the officer that is visibly standing there and going through the construction zone,” Mercer County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Gary Woods said.
In the two weeks following May 21st when construction began, local authorities alone issued more than 1,200 tickets to truckers for ignoring the detour and driving through the construction zone. Deputy Capt. Joe Parks says that some of his deputies are writing up to 40 tickets during a long shift. And those are only the local police. There are also troopers from the West Virginia State Police who are issuing tickets as well.
Since cars and other small vehicles aren’t being diverted, only trucks are being ticketed. In total, drivers face around $200 in fines and court fees. So it’s not surprising that many are fighting back. And that’s causing a problem for the county magistrate’s office.
“In less than a 24-hour period, there have been 500 calls to the traffic line,” Magistrate Mike Flanigan told the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
So many drivers are calling the office to complain that their phone system can’t handle it. The phone would ring a couple of times and then go dead. Which lead to complaints higher up the ladder too.
“We started getting complaints from other agencies that the Magistrate Court was not answering the phones,” Magistrate Flanigan said. “We even got word from the Supreme Court in Charleston.”
Whether it’s a matter of too little signage, a county taking the opportunity to line its pockets, or just some stubborn truckers looking to save time, it’s probably a good idea to avoid that stretch of I-77 for the time being. You can see the details and recommended detour routes here.
WC says
That is a very minimally marked detour and never once have I seen the so-called authorities standing out there directing traffic. They know most truckers are hesitant to exit off the interstate in West Virginia because of the terrain. There is absolutely no reason why big trucks should not just be allowed to stay on the interstate and drive through the construction zone. It’s just a money racket.
Slim says
That’s not true. When I drove thru. There was a trooper at the beginning and end of the tunnel. Plus plenty of warnings beforehand. Signs, plus CB talk. If you don’t take the exit. You’re not paying attention. Now, going thru the small town is another story. They have a speed trap going down one of the hills. The local police is shooting radar. waiting on you.
Rod J Timmer says
It’s marked very well. Came through there last Wednesday and there were multiple signs alerting to the detour and there was an officer standing in the middle of the road as you exit the tunnel directing trucks to the exit.
Matt says
Line there pockets is my guess
Instagram: MuthaTrucka69 says
If you’re driving through West Virginia anywhere other than on I-81.. you’re an idiot or a company driver (which is the same thing). I-77 is a mountain with a toll. You’re paying to drive up a mountain at 45mph..
Donald owsley says
Speak for yourself. Another big rigger. Broke and driving a piece of junk you paid 150,000 for. Idiots. If tolls cost more than your truck is worth stay off tolls
Robert says
So I’m an idiot because I’m a company driver. Thanks so much for the compliment. Enjoy your ridiculous payment you have to make. Unless you finance through a dealer you are a glorified company driver. Oh, I know, you are the guy with the piece of junk Volvo that has an air dryer popping every 30 seconds. You refuse to get it fixed because you are too lazy or too cheap.
Bird says
Typical idiot changes the subject because the argument is valid and he can’t think of a good response. I am a company driver. But I have been driving for 35 years and his point is valid. Too many company drivers won’t ( or can’t) think it through and take the extra time and effort.
Next time try making a response to the actual subject instead of blasting Owner Operators because you can’t buy one with your cruddy credit.
Donald J says
He’s just one of those owner operators that lives in a single wide, grosses 50k/year like the “average owner operator pay”, has truck, fuel, and repair bills coming out his butt, no health insurance, retirement, or savings for a rainy day or anything show for it and he’s calling company drivers idiots. Besides, how else are you going to go north and south say from Cleveland to Charlotte?
Kelly D says
Donald, this just goes to show the division amongst fellow drivers regardless of who, what, or where you drive. I’m an owner operator ten years only in the industry 11. I understand the path I chose isn’t for everyone and don’t believe I own any road. I respect what each individual does until they give me reason not. I don’t know where your math comes from. However, I’m an employee of my corporation, gladly pay my wife and daughter to do part time admin work for me that frees time to spend with them. We pay all expenses of which I’m considered one, health insurance for us both , dental and vision pay cash equaIs about 11k per year. Contribute $200 a week from my pay to a self directed 401k, $1100 a month in profit sharing, and $6500 each year to a Roth IRA for my wife and myself. The $200 contribution to 401 is 20% of my pay. I take five to six weeks paid vacation, receive $300 holiday pay for 9 paid holidays. After all is said and done net profit is still well over the 50K you claim owner operators make. There are those that do it much better than I and surely some that do worse. However it’s like any endeavor, it’s how well you value what you do, how well you do it, and how well you manage it, it is possible in this great country of ours though.
Dave Keiser says
But I bet he’s got a thousand LED chicken lights on his rolling piece of iron lol
Joseph Perry says
The attitude you display here is the reason the trucking industry is a joke. Why should you expect four wheelers to respect you when you don’t even respect company drivers? Only a pea brain would lump an entire group into one bunch and assume they are all idiots.
Dogdoc says
It seems you are not very forwarded as a owner operator. Assaulting the others shows a low level of home education!
Delbert Spiece says
Well, idiot route designer, just tell me how I’m going to avoid i77 in West Virginia when I pick up in Cincinnati Ohio and deliver in Roanoke,va. ? I’m an idiot? The load pays me $4 a mile, I’m the idiot? Ok!! This IDIOT will take the load 3 times a week and laugh all the way to the bank!
Douglas Kirk says
And who appointed you as the Keeper of All Knowledge? Most people who run any specific route do so for a specific reason. I bet you run roads I don’t like, so therefore you are a moron
Mark Scheuermann says
It’s clearly marked. I took the detour 2 weeks ago with no problems. Your job as a commercial driver is to watch signs.
TexasJester says
Check your map. I-81 doesn’t go through West Virginia..
And I’m a company driver NETTING $50K a year, plus bonuses which can total more than $10K (that’s take-home pay to you). And I don’t have the headaches of the owner/op, even if I run my truck as such. So who’s the “idiot” now??
Shawn says
I-81 does cut through West Virginia, It goes through Martinsburg.
Dave Keiser says
CHECK YOUR MAP. 81 ABSOLUTELY goes thru WV. Albeit NOT far, but it does……straight on thru. So who’s the idiot?
Dave Keiser says
26 whole miles. You’d know that if you had to file fuel taxes. COMPANY DRIVER
Kevin says
What headaches? As long as you plan ahead, there are no headaches, and I make double what you do, NET.
Gary says
Actually, it does go through WV.
Kristian Merrell says
At no point does I-81 travel through West Virginia.
Darren Hicks says
I-81 does go through WV coming out of Maryland
Lawrence Lohr says
Look at a map dear. It does go through W.Va. At least it has for the 45 years ive been driving a truck.
Ron says
Guess Again, I-81 has went through West Virginia at least since the 70’s?(Its the next state you come to after Virginia going north, just before Maryland). They used to have a T/A Truckstop in West Virginia on 81. It closed down several years ago.
Rich Miller says
Just north of Winchester Virginia you cross into west Virginia for 26 miles then you enter Maryland.
Dejante Kornegay says
I-81 goes through Martinsburg, WV…i don’t know who the idiots are anymore..there’s also I-70 and I-79, I-77 isnt the only interstate in WV
Gary says
If you were in Winchester Va., how would you get to Hagerstown Md.?
Kurt says
Ya I’m just one of those idiots taking home $1500-$2000 a week while my company pays my tolls lol
Worry about yourself there buddy
Richard says
Which part of West Virginia does I 81 go through ? Please help me, I’m lost !!
Derrick smith says
I agree. The trucking industry has been a long time cash cow
Keith E Hartshorn says
I’m a driver and don’t think it’s a money grab, I clearly saw the signs going north, not to mention the fact the officer standing right on the line next to his vehicle directing me off the exit. If these guys got a tucker it was deserved due to not paying attention til it was to late.
Robert says
If the sign is posted and they ignore it, they should get a $2,000 fine. Ignorance to the law is no excuse. We are professional drivers. Some of the drivers out here shouldn’t be licensed to drive a golf cart. I’m not talking about certain companies either. I’m talking about the owner operators that run independent and think they own the road.
Joseph Perry says
Bravo Robert
Mario says
Yes we own the road and don’t forget that 26 cent per mile guy.
Paul Richards says
Maybe what you don’t understand is some truck can’t make turns in some places without damaging something think think
Marion D. Hunt says
Then they should take a better detour. The detour is FOR the trucks. If it “can’t make a turn” then it should have a permit.
Kevin says
Not just one sign, there are aleast five signs.
Bla Blablab says
Typical truckers beating each other up rather than stay on point.
Marion D. Hunt says
What point is that? The point is, there are signs that state that trucks must detour, and lazy drivers are not doing so. Therefore they get a ticket. Not that hard.
Brian Johnson says
I worked retail for 32 years now and Truck drivers are a very important of America without Truck Drivers We could not do a lot of things we enjoy today We take for granted what they do and how important they are to us
Thank you truck drivers let’s cut them a break they work hard for there money
TexasJester says
I wonder how many can’t even read English – or read at all..
Sky says
Funny thing you are saying there are deputies standing on the side of the road detouring truckers… false no one standing detouring. 2 signs….if there are signs put out they are not visible .
Driver44 says
My guess is there’s probably a mix of all the reasons listed in the article.I will say more and more O/os and co drivers are not paying attention to signage and roads(on their cells,on their comps,some probably don’t read English)others just do what they want to.I see it every day,and I was O/O 20 years ,am now Co.driver,for Co in Bmore that pays time n half after 8 hours in day ,make minimum of 1500$ a week,Home every night.and we are not an LTL Co ,been in business for close to 100 years,btw they also pay my deductible for my health ins which cost 22$ a week
Malcolm Reynolds says
Link at end of article gives a 404 error. Direct link:
https://transportation.wv.gov/Turnpike/travel_resources/Pages/Detour-Routes.aspx
Paul says
Wv is known to take advantage and line their pockets
Doug says
I am a truck driver that actually came up threw there Tuesday evening. There are signs posted from north Carolina boarder to the 77 and 81 junction and a lighted sign at the tunnel telling drivers to take exit 1 for the detour. Yes I do agree with Robert on the fine should be twice the amount they are fining drivers that are going up threw the construction…. Want it adds maybe 5 minutes more to your elog time but what’s that compared to spending 30 minutes added to your time getting stopped fined and dot inspection at the end of the construction…… I just dont undestand why the so called new breed and older drivers would want to even take that chance….. Why spend money you work hard at getting to blow it on a traffic citation…… I just don’t understand!!! Open your eyes drivers and wake up.. take the detour!!!!!
Kevin Pohlod says
The truck drivers getting tickets is really the drivers fault. However, these road construction crews need to pick up the pace as well, they’re taking far Too long on whatever project they’re working on
Carl Hogue says
Plenty of signs telling truckers to take the first exit. $200.00 ticket a bargain for being stupid.
Rodney G Patton Sr says
Drivers, you can’t fix stupid!
Bird says
Maybe they should start making company drivers pay a form 2290 annually. Then you could see why they think they own the road.
People, this isn’t about Owner Operator Vs Company driver. This is about we are all Professional drivers. Why don’t we try to act like it.
I have been on both sides. Company driver for 10 years owner operator for 17 years. I am a company driver now because I retired at age 55 and now drive part time to supplement my retirement
Dan says
I am guessing poor signage and a county trying to fill up their pockets. I was in a detour in St. Louis that took you off the freeway and dumped you on the street and there were no more signs to get you back on the freeway it created such a mess they finally figured out they should put up signs.
Marion D. Hunt says
The St. Louis detour there were signs from day 1, just, as in this case, people are too stupid to read them.
Truck driver says
The drivers probably don’t read the signs because they have their blinders on and only follow their gps they have to be new drivers,experienced driver wouldn’t do this
Ray says
Almost heaven! Not. This Page here say click here for detour route! I did and it said page not found??? Lol
PT says
I Drive I77 regularly it is an easy and well marked detour,
I always see trucks continuing on i77 though. No excuse for missing signs what if it was a low bridge? Idiot drivers who don’t read signs cause problems in this industry.
J.M.W. TRANSPORTATION says
Gentleman , Please ..! Fighting against each other and name calling is NOT constructive to the ANSWER . I DON’T KNOW which part of I- 77 this is taking place , North of Charleston or South. ? But I DO KNOW , that in W. V.A. there is NO GOOD DETOUR OFF THE INTRESTATE ..! SO, That being said UNDER WHO’S AUTHORITY is this DETOUR being IMPOSED ..? Why are they not letting the Truck traffic through and the CARS TAKING THE DETOUR ..? Unless there’s weight issue .? Is this the Construction Contractor doing this ..? Again this can greatly effect time on the E.L.D. That so many power’s to be WANTED …!! THIS IS PROBABLY WHY DRIVERS ARE STAYING ON THE INTERSTATE .. !
Vic Mackey says
I’m a box truck expedite and still took the detour.
ANTHONY says
Sooo let me get this straight… one guy comments that you should use I-81 and not I-77 ( at all). Please tell me how coming out of OH to mid central NC using I81 makes any sense at all. You are obviously a company driver that only follows Qualcomm directions.
2- why avoid the area?
3- I81 has mountains. KY and TN AND PA have mountains. I-77 is one of my main corridors for the time being.
4- there is adequate signage. But every truck I see is a large company truck.
5- why should trucks get off the interstate? The interstate system was implemented for the Military and the transportation industry. Why should we care if bubba and Susie get to grandmas house 15 minutes sooner?
6- Why blame independents for poor driving? Some of the worst drivers are big carriers drivers. Don’t blame us because you don’t have the mental fortitude to run your own business or take care of your own equipment. And please tell me the last time you made over $100,000 after expenses as a company driver Mr. Company man! You keep those knee pads handy for that next $.03 raise!
DormDad56 says
Your link at the end of the story for an alternate route doesn’t work.
Barton Wayne Van Buskirk says
The drivers going past the detours can’t read and it’s there company’s calling I’m sure
Tjj says
200$ fine? It doesn’t hurt nothing to own operator,we make up to 400,0000$ per year/truck..
Johni khummi says
Avoid construction roads in summer in be smart when you choose the road look twice in gogglemap can see the work zone
RICHARD A BRADLEY says
For this article to really be helpful to either the trucks or the court system you need to show us pictures of the signs if it’s clearly posted it’s the driver’s fault. end of discussion if it’s not clearly posted it’s the county being greedy
J.M.W. TRANSPORTATION says
I SEE NOW , Mercer County is in the Southern part of I-77 I’m guessing you are being dervirted over on 19 , don’t know for sure I haven’t been in W.V.A. For a while … But Again , WHY ARE THE TRUCKS BEING REROUTED And NOT the Cars ..??
Charlie says
Common sense might tell you why.
It could be because lanes may be narrow thru the construction zone and trucks are wider than cars.
J.M.W. TRANSPORTATION says
I TOO , am an O/O , And I DON’T Drive like I own the road … Courtesy Goes a Long way ..! We ALL in this together . Should be a BROTHERHOOD LIKE IT USE TO BE ..!!
Billie L Pullin says
This is a detour with a sharp 15 mile an hour curve right out side and the tunnel with cars up behind you in the tunnel no way to stop n time. The signage is not clear.There is no reason for this detour no unsafe road conditions, no low bridges why is it any different than any other construction in America.
Furthermore than that the police officers stand in the middle of the highway and pull you over.
They pulled over 7 trucks at the same time as I was pulled over.
There is no explanation they are rude.
All you hear is you know what you did, give me you license and registration, so many trucks in the side the road traffic stopped dangerous situation.
Then when the officer comes back zero.coversation, abruptly yells open your door, hands over tickets, says contact this number within 10 days and leaves
This seems very sketchy because there is no officers t the tunnel directing traffic either.
Paul says
To busy watching their eld to see the signs ….and about to run out of time …..
James gizmoe gilmore says
I am glad I am retired an live in st Thomas village idrove 38 years 48 states and we did not have GPS or cell phones we adapted to the road changes daily now I know what they meant when they said drivers of my time were a dying breed we played trucking like they play golf were the last load unloaded
Steven says
Stubborn, idiot drivers that ignore the signs or are not paying attention. The sign reads ALL TRUCKS! It’s not a choice, it’s a mandate! Put the phone down and pay attention!
Jason says
There are signs that start on the VA side of the tunnel that clearly say ALL TRUCKS must take detour exit 1 in wva. Also I big sign after the tunnel on the wva side. No excuses for not taking the detour….I drive the wva pike 5days a week.
Thomas says
I took that route last week, noticed the myriad of signs warning truckers to take the exit for a detour, followed a clearly marked detour and had no problems. It probably added 15 minutes to my drive. There was even a cop with flashing lights at the exit where we get off. Those ticketed weren’t paying attention or were too stubborn to take the longer way.
Michael says
Been driving for over 40 years, it is absolutely amazing how many drivers today are just plain STUPID and can’t follow simple directions to do anything. They think they know it All.
Paul says
There are endless Federal minimum standards for drivers.
There should be the same level of attention given to standards employed by entities that affect our working environment.
If you recieve state dollars to develop repair or replace roadways the elevated standards should be enforced with state contractors.
Mike says
Yall ppl are crazy,lol.signs are up but for that detour they need more signs up or a sign that tells you what exits to make instead of the local truck driver’s exit only most ppl that come that way ain’t local driver
Truck driver says
Exactly where on I-77 is the detour? North of charleston, south to beckley, or south of beckley?
Curry Stephens says
Now this is the very reason, we as professional drivers don’t have a pot to piss in, because we’re so busy pissing all over each other! Nevermind, the powers at be, like the fact they can get rich off of our blood sweat and tears! Carry on.
Red says
I live near Beckley, WV and go thru this part of I-77 all the time. There are several of these huge, flashing signs that specifically say; “No commercial vehicles allowed thru work zone. All trucks MUST take exit 1 and follow marked detour” Then there’s a few more other signs that say “Commercial vehicles will receive $250 fine for driving thru work zone” I mean how much simpler can they make it?? Those idiots deserve to pay every bit of that fine! No excuse…
Craig says
That is how Rhode Island generated the revenue to rebuild a bridge. Prohibit the trucks by weight restriction then fine them thousands of dollars for not getting off and bypassing. Regular traffic was not disturbed. They found a new way to generate revenue and made it legal.
Awesome Guy says
You know what. I think it’s because it’s an unfamiliar area. And being in a big truck, these guys fear being taken off the interstate in West Virginia. So they stayed on the interstate. Maybe get stuck in some back roads…? Normally the signs that scare me the most are weight limit, and height restriction signs. West Virginia is a hated state. The people there are poor, the roads are crap, many hillbillies, and it’s almost all mountain driving. They probably thought nothing would happen and thought they would just sneak through LoL.
Daniel says
A perfect reason I got out of the trucking business.Jyst listening to these idiots makes me grateful I planned ahead and got out of this industry for good.
Donovan says
Went through there last week the signs are posted way before you get there to take exit 1 no excuse very simple and easy detour be professional drivers it’s part of our job stay strong stay united
James Miller says
Texas jester you need to check your map I81 does go thru WV
Truck driver says
Nobody gets along anymore out here bout ready to hang it up see this every day on the road and on the radio just like a bunch of kids I’m better than u, I make more than u,u know more than everyone else bla bla bla grow up and get a life wtf makes my blood boil u wonder why nobody has their radio on
Robert Walters says
Texas jester, you are wrong I-81 dose go through West Virginia ;so who’s the moron you are..
Truck driver says
No it doesn’t
Dave Keiser says
Uh…..yeah it does. 26 miles, thru Martinsburg city, Berkley county. And serving eastern wv regional airport. Oh yeah there’s a truck stop there too.
Dave Keiser says
Chucklehead…..
Dave Keiser says
Between Maryland and Virginia.
Paul Packett says
Yes it does it’s not but about 20 miles between Virginia and Maryland check your atlas
Aj says
The detour is total of 4 miles longer then the interstate 7 mins longer, with 7 lights taken it twice once at night and once during morning rush never a problem
Derrick smith says
Often times enough construction zones and detours put big trucks in very tight situations. I was detoured in a big truck and I ended up coming through a little neighborhood where big trucks don’t belong. Be careful out there drivers
Derron D says
Must need some money.
Steve Duggan says
Typical jackwagon O/Os bragging on how much money they make, yada yada yada.
You stay out 250-300 days a year and spank your dick in your single bed. I’ll be home every night and off 3 days a week and get on top of my old lady every night while you live the life super trucker
Silver dollar says
Where’s WV???? Retired o/o here, spent thirty five years out there. My trucks were not new but we’ll taken care of. Pulled dry van and averaged between $3-$5 per mile. Sometimes would run a dedicated route, most time wouldn’t. No chicken lights due to cost and maintenance. No crome, (it doesn’t make you any money). I retired at 62, and my ss is $1500 a month. I receive a retirement check the first of every ($3000) month. This is due to being and o/o that knew what he was doing. Right now company drivers can go to oil fields for an AVERAGE of $1200 a WEEK. O/O can AVERAGE $2200 a week. $1000 a week is not chump change!!! You all need to realize what is good for one is not for the other.
Leaha says
I drove through there last week and I had no problem. The detour was marked plain enough. It added a little time to my trip but not a lot. Of you are bitching about a ticket than I suggest you have your eyes checked or learn to read.
Jude says
How many drivers are getting paid for the extra miles this detour adds to the route? How many of the companies that advertise “All Miles Paid” actually pay “all miles”? Seems to me if a person does the work, they should get paid for it.
Kurt says
I can see everyone’s point that is saying “the detour is marked, it’s the trucks fault” but when they have wrote over 1200 tickets since May 21st you gotta admit something isn’t working with their signage strategy.
James Hageman says
There is truly no help for this industry when I read at least two comments from people that don’t know that I-81 runs through WV.
Sunup sundown says
The reason why truckers are running it because it’s right after the tunnel. Any if you don’t slow down you’ll miss it. It doesn’t look like a truck can exit off.
Thisguyman... says
For the longest time the signage at the detour was marked with a plain black and white exit sign. Not the standard orange and black DETOUR sign. Any driver unfamiliar with the area would immediately look for a detour sign. Only towards mid July did they post permanent patrol officers to direct traffic INSTEAD OF USING A SIMPLE DETOUR SIGN. That simple no bashing or d^@k swinging required guys. Some were cautious and follow the sign some were paranoid and unfamiliar with the location and continued. I was a part of the later group. The officer who stopped me was very courteous and didn’t want to ticket me after I told him why I missed it. His supervisor was not so sympathetic however. Also it was my fault because I came through when they first set it up. They pulled everyone over and gave them fore warning. I guess it slipped my mind driving coast to coast several times a week. On another note, this industry is killing itself off because so many choose to fight eachother instead of helping eachother be better. You only prove yourself a fool by pointing out the flaws of others and not yourself first… Have a good one ya’ll