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Press Releases
June26, 2000
DOH Releases Corridor H Safety Statistics
Charleston, W. Va. – The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) released the results of two studies today that explored the options and necessity of upgrading two sections of the highway known as Corridor H.
According to the WVDOH, the first segment of Corridor H connects the cities of Elkins and Kerens and the second links the town of Baker to the Virginia state line. Both were studied to determine projected traffic volumes, levels of service and estimated accident and injury rates.
Sam Beverage, acting secretary for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, explained that by 2013 the sections have the potential of carrying between 10,000 and 15,000 automobiles a day. However, if these necessary improvements are not completed, the traffic levels they are able to accommodate will be halted between 2,000 and 5,000 vehicles per day. Likewise, if the improvements are completed, accident and injury rates are expected to decrease by almost half and the level of service that the Division of Highways will be able to provide to citizens will almost double.
Representatives from the WVDOH explained that the two studies consisted of three alternatives. The studies compared current traffic estimates against the decision to make no improvements, the option to build only in certain areas and the opportunity to complete both sections of Corridor H. Both studies overwhelmingly concluded that the best choice for the safety of motorists and the development of West Virginia is to complete both sections of the Corridor.
"Building a modified Improved Roadway Alternative would not sufficiently solve the problems that already exist, much less ward off problems that are expected to develop in the near future," Beverage said. "The best solution is to avoid the problems altogether by completing Corridor H. Due to the potential for dramatic growth in this area, this Corridor is fundamentally important to the development and expansion of West Virginia. In doing so, we strive to achieve our goal of providing a safe, efficient and cost-effective road system for the state of West Virginia."
Click here to view the Corridor H Safety Analysis
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