PROJECT UPDATE – The New Cumberland Council, during its Monday meeting, received an update from the West Virginia Division of Highways representative on the planned realignment of State Route 2 through the community. — Craig Howell
NEW CUMBERLAND – A long-discussed highway project through New Cumberland could begin construction next spring, according to West Virginia Division of Highways officials.
DOH representatives attended Monday’s New Cumberland Council meeting, where they presented some of the latest plans for the realignment of state Route 2 through the community.
“We had two goals after the last meeting,” Travis Long, WVDOH’s director of technology and support services, explained, referring to earlier conversations with city officials.
Recent changes to the designs included eliminating any impact on the city’s pump station near Adams Street and reducing the impact on New Cumberland City Park.
The DOH selected its initial design, labeled Alternative 4, in the summer of 2020 after years of lobbying by area residents and officials, public hearings. Alternative 4 involves taking Route 2 along its current path at Ridge Avenue, going down Stone Hill to a point at present-day Madison Street, then diverting to a new path that parallels the former railroad tracks to rejoin current Route 2 just north of the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department.
“We’re removing the crossings, but leaving the railroad tracks,” Long said.
On Monday, DOH officials noted that the plan would still require the use of up to half an acre of the park, but they are looking into possible bids that could acquire adjacent properties to ensure land is available for the park. Long asked the council for a letter of support for the plan, saying the state would like to complete designs this fall and announce bids by spring. Construction could take a little more than a year, Long said.
On Monday, council members and other city officials expressed some concerns, including future responsibility for maintaining Stone Hill, which Police Chief Lester Skinner said has always fallen to the city even though Route 2 is a state road
Water Operator Pat Jones noted that utility lines would need to be relocated for the north end of the project, but Long said the DOH would handle that work.
George Hines, director of community services, asked if the road was being designed to accommodate higher traffic numbers, especially large trucks, and noted rumors of potential business development near Newell.
“It looks like factory stuff” Hines said. “There will be more truck traffic around town.”
Mayor Will White reported that a council work session would be held at 4.30pm on August 16, with council members suggesting the item be placed on the agenda. White said if the board agrees, the letter of support would be drafted the next day.
In other matters, the Council approved:
Lot 14 for the city sewer project of $175,658.40 and Lot 17 for the water project of $87,240.65;
Approved the awarding of the Garden of the Month to Dale and Diane Matics;
Appointed Penny Spilecki and Nick Nolder as city water and sewer commissioners;
We’ve heard about plans for a back-to-school fun day from 2-7pm on August 14th at City Park with bounce houses, food, games, vendors, music and more . The City Council agreed to contribute $200 for the event.
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