WEIRTON — The project to expand the capacity of Weirton’s wastewater treatment plant is nearing completion.

The $37 million project was the main talking point during Thursday’s meeting of the Weirton Sanitary Board, with representatives of Thrasher Engineering noting construction stands at approximately 95.3 percent completion, based on expenditures.

“Major startup is underway,” explained Jesse Alden, project manager for Thrasher, noting much of the new equipment has been in place and looped into the treatment system. “We’re rounding out here. We’re getting close.”

Based on current estimates, which have had slight adjustments as a result of recent weather, Triton Construction, the main contractor of the project, estimates a substantial completion date of April 24, with a final payment on the project set for May 24.

In addition, Alden said the project’s contingency still has approximately $1.4 million of its initial $1.8 million available.

“We’re sitting in very good shape,” Alden said, noting Thrasher is working with staff to identify any other add-on improvements which could be included before the project is wrapped up.

The project broke ground in April 2024 with the goal of expanding the plant from its current treatment capacity of 4 million gallons per day to 8 million gallons per day.

Planning began in January 2019 when local officials were notified of interest in a large manufacturing company to locate in Weirton. At the time, officials noted the treatment plant, which was built in the 1960s, had little room for additional treatment capacity and would need the expansion to properly serve any new development in the community.