When residents and elected members of the Harrison County Board of Education learned recently that the West Virginia Division of Highways had planned a road closure and detour on County Route 17, more commonly known as Oral Lake Road, starting this morning, many weren’t too pleased about it.

 

Although those dismayed understood the need for the closure and detour – the replacement of a bridge at the intersection of County Route 17 and County Route 5 – there was concern about the detour.  Initially, the plan was to have traffic detoured on County Route 5 across the Taylor County line back to County Route 76.

 

That, said current Harrison County Board of Education President David Sturm, was the reason for the angst.

 

“The big concern was that as a result of the detour, the road that was coming into of and into Taylor County had a section of it that would make it difficult for a school bus and a large truck to pass one another on,” said Sturm. “It’s my understanding that there is a trucking company out there and that in several places you’d have to back up some distance as there just isn’t enough room to get two large vehicles through.”

 

Apparently, Strum's thoughts were correct. Today, DOH officials confirms the plan has been altered.

 

“The plans have changed. To the best of my knowledge, the bridge in place will remain open until a temporary bridge can be built there,” said DOH District 4 Bridge Engineer Randy Harris. “There will be no bypass road under this arrangement.”

 

That should be good news for what Sturm said were those with children in some of the 160 homes on the other side of the bridge. He said this is a positive outcome of working with the DOH and the community on matters.

 

“Last night we hoped whatever solution was developed that it would be the best solution as far as safe passage for our children and even family and others that have to utilize that road,” said Sturm. “It’s a good thing to know that our community, the Board of Education and Division of Highways can work together on something like this in a timely manner and get it taken care of.”

 

Sturm said he was pleased that the DOH, even prior to changing their plan, was doing its part to make the road that was originally going to be used as a detour as safe as possible. However, he’s more pleased with what has transpired.

 

“They were working on potholes and ditching so they were doing their part,” said Sturm. “This way, though, works out best for everyone.”

 

Harris said initially the contractor had 45 days to install the temporary bridge. He also said the overall completion date was in August. He’s not sure how the change impacts the time frame.

 

 

The bridge is a relatively small span. It’s about 35 to 40 foot long, Harris said.