UPDATE (5:45 p.m.): A temporary fix will be made to replace the line on Friday night in order to restore power to those without by 9 p.m., according to First Energy Spokesperson Todd Meyers.
A more permanent fix to replace the downed pole will be made in the future after the company schedules a date and time –most likely early on a Sunday morning after this weekend.
At that point there will be delays, but Meyers indicated they will work to keep traffic moving on that day if possible.
UPDATE (5:27 p.m.): Fifty Mon Power customers are without power and the company is working with the state to figure out a way to make repairs without shutting down the interstate again, according to spokesperson Todd Meyers.
Meyers said they believe the cause of the downed lines was a telecommunication line –hanging lower than the distribution power line– was caught by a large truck. The pull caused a pole to break and the lines to come down.
UPDATE (4:02 p.m.): The West Virginia 511 reporting that all lanes are open but further delays may occur as the power company responds to the scene.
The downed line also led to a small power outage for 25 Mon Power customers, according to spokesperson Todd Meyers.
WESTON, W.Va. — Downed power lines along I-79 in Lewis County led to a shutdown of all lanes and long delays.
It’s unclear at this time what caused the lines to fall, according to Lewis County 911.
EXPECT DELAYS: I-79 near Weston Exit at MM 101, all lanes CLOSED due to downed power lines. Expect long delays. pic.twitter.com/sj313hptxV
— West Virginia 511 (@WV511) September 11, 2015
Officials advised motorists traveling north to take exit 99 and use Rt. 19 and motorists traveling south to take exit 105 and also utilize Rt. 19.
Reports indicate traffic along the alternate route was backed up as well.
A timeline to clear and reopen the road was not readily available as of 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon.