Good evening, A few months ago I posted information about the closures due to construction of the new Cheat River Bridge at Ices Ferry. This morning I found out that the plans have changed radically and catastrophically (for me at least). When bids were requested the DOH required that the contractor keep 857 and the old bridge open for as long as possible. After the bid was awarded the contractor stated that this isn't possible, the road must be closed immediately so construction of the West approach can begin. Currently the date for closure is next Monday, May 9. I am not aware of any alternate route for bikes and pedestrians. My only choice, because this is my daily commute, will be to take the freeway from Glenmark to Cheat Lake.
But at the same time, due to opening of the new freeway the current exit will be closed, and the new one 1/2 mile East will open. When the freeway (I43 I believe) opens, it will draw MUCH more traffic. There will also be all of the traffic that was using 857 (primarily Greystone parents driving their kids to Cheat Middle School, but others as well). Add to that the fact that I often ride home in the dark after meetings (bike board for instance). This means there is no safe route for me to bike home. Taking the bus will work sometimes, but often my schedule doesn't fit with the buses. It only runs every 90 min and the last one leaves town at 5:30.
Who would be the best person for me to contact about finding (or getting DOH to provide) a safe, bikeable (even walkable) alternative route. I'm thinking there may be room for a trail from the Old Cheat Rd overpass along the freeway to the road at the West end of the Ices Ferry Bridge. Note that the bridge won't be closed, just the section of 857 on the West side allowing access to it.
Thanks for any suggestions or contacts. Nick Hein
-- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --