Despite the falling of more snow than expected, the dropping of temperatures and refreezing of area roads, accident activity has been kept to a minimum overnight and during morning hours.

 

“It seems, for the most part, people are staying off the roads if they can and letting the city and Department of Highways get their work done to clear the roads, said Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz.

 

There was an accident on Johnson Avenue around 10 a.m., but it was not serious in nature and there were no hospital transports. In fact, Bridgeport Fire Department/EMS were not even dispatched. Bridgeport Police Officer Jamie Hamrick said the accident resulted from some sliding due to slush and one vehicle slid into another. 

 

Pysz said main roadways are in fairly good condition, but some secondary roads – including Route 131 and areas of Route 50 leading out of the city - are still snow- and ice-covered and that it will take some time for road crews to reach all areas. She asks that motorists be patient and use extreme caution.

 

The West Virginia Department of Highways treats Route 50 through the city (Main Street) and Johnson Avenue, Pysz said. Bridgeport Public Works also treats Johnson Avenue and takes care of all other roadways in the city, as well as some outlying areas.

 

Bridgeport Public Works crews have been out overnight, working to clear roads. There is also always a crew on call.

 

“If there is an accident or our police department needs them to come out and help salt a road or they realize roads are getting worse, they can call Public Works and they will head out,” she said. “Just this morning, we called them to come salt the ramps at the substation so they would be clear for ambulances.”

 

In addition to Public Works crews, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation employees are also out shoveling, plowing and blowing snow on sidewalks and parking lots, keeping residents and visitors safe.

 

The West Virginia Department of Transportation lists I-79 and U.S. Route 50 in Harrison and surrounding counties as “Fair” driving conditions with snow on roadways and intermittent icy patches. Watch for snow removal equipment on roadways.

 

Check for other specific route conditions HERE.