The recently approved $1.6 billion bond project known as “Road to Prosperity” that was passed by West Virginia voters includes $50 million in projects for the District 4 area of the West Virginia Division of Highways, which includes Bridgeport. However, there was only one project listed in the city and that was the replacement of the Virginia Avenue Bridge.

 

Although city officials aren’t complaining about being included on the list, they also believe there are current and future needs on roadways under the jurisdiction of the state. And they’re going to try and do something about it.

 

At a recent work session of the Council, the city’s governing body reviewed a draft prepared by the administration that will be sent to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways in Charleston. The letter, which will officially be sent to Charleston after the city council prioritizes and signs off on what road projects it would like to see addressed in the top five, is expected to be sent soon.

 

“We should have this ready for review soon,” said City Manager Kim Haws at the Oct. 23 meeting Council meeting.

 

Many of the roads have drawn complaints from residents. And many of the complaints go to the city despite the fact that the roads in question are under the city’s jurisdiction.

 

“It’s kind of a wish list of what we’d like to see done in the city,” said City Clerk Andrea Kerr. “Since it’s not on the bond list there is no guarantee it will get done, but it’s helpful to let the DOH know what we believe is important. Some of the areas they’re already aware of.”

 

One of the projects has drawn attention from the state already. The project in question involves U.S. Route 50 from the area of the Home Depot Plaza heading down to the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. Storm drainage is a huge issue in that area and during heavy rains, the existing system is overwhelmed.

 

“The drainage there is a never-ending problem,” said Kerr. “We’ve actually used our own (infrastructure) cameras in the lines so we know there is collapsed pipe in that area. We can’t fix it as it’s a state route.”

 

Another road involves the upgrade and widening of State Route 131 from the intersection of Route 50 to the on and off ramps to State Route 279. Mayor Andy Lang said that, to him, is the most critical.

 

“I think to get that area on Route 131 to Oliverio’s and back toward White Oaks is critical because of the growth we’re going to see at Charles Pointe and White Oaks that will be coming off that road, the growth we’ll have with the new indoor recreation complex and residential growth,” said Lang. “The residential growth isn’t along that road, but people use that road to get to the new developments along Route 50 like Crystal Ridge and Heritage Farms.

 

“That’s the one I think is the most critical,” said Lang. “Others on Council may have a different opinion, but we’ll all come to a consensus.”

 

Kerr said Route 131 has issue beyond needing widening and repaired. Several areas, she said, of the road are slipping. She also said another issue, although not the most important, is appearance.

 

“So many outsiders have their first impression of Bridgeport going to the Recreation Complex and those numbers are going to increase and you have a road that bumps you all over the place and is patched up,” said Kerr. “It’s not good from a driving standpoint and definitely not good from an aesthetics standpoint.”

 

One that isn’t just on Bridgeport’s list is more work on Lodgeville Road. Along with the intersection at Lodgeville, Emily Drive and U.S. Route 50, the city is concerned about ongoing issues off of Lodgeville at the entrance to Walgreens, Tolley Drive, The Best Western, and several entry and exit points from the Gabe’s Plaza.

 

“I don’t think anyone is surprised we have concerns there,” said Kerr.

 

The city is also lobbying again for an extension and upgrade to Barnett Run Road. The desire to see that project take place goes back even before the new United Hospital Center was built and continues to this day. Whether the latest attempt will prove beneficial remains to be seen.

 

“The ultimate goal is to connect the road to UHC and the area of the Meadowbrook Mall to not only provide alternative access points to both facilities, but to also provide infrastructure that would assist in the development of that corridor,” said Kerr.

 

 

The city also would like to see upgrades to Brushy Fork Road, or Route 26, which is the roadway along the lakes. Although the road has seen tens of thousands in paving projects in recent years, including in the last month, the upgrades are for the entire roadway and go beyond paving.

 

“The concerns are line of sight and deficiencies in the curves of the roadway,” said Kerr. “It’s a problem right now and getting it fixed, whether any of that land would ever come into the city along the road or not, would be better for all involved.”

 

Lang said he knows the letter may not result in any results. However, he added that it’s better to put concerns forward than to not say anything at all.

 

“We know the state has a list of projects they would like to do and a list of projects they need to do, but we need to have interaction with them on what we think is important. The state, whether it’s Bridgeport or anyone else, may not be able to have the knowledge we have regarding where we anticipate growth and the issues of planning for infrastructure may be most beneficial.”

 

Lang said the letter will be sent to the WVDOH in Charleston first. Then, he said, additional copies will be sent elsewhere.

 

“I think out of respect for the DOH it’s important they have the letter when it’s completed first. After that, we’ll send it to our local elected delegation that represent the Bridgeport community’s interests in Charleston,” said Lang.