Elkins, W.Va., (Hinton News) – The replacement bridge is in place over Red Creek on Forest Road 19 in Laneville, although it is not yet ready for either pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The project is ahead of schedule and the bridge could open by mid-October, two weeks ahead of the projected schedule.
The contractor successfully installed the bridge Saturday, October 1. This week they will ensure the bridge is secured in its final position, install the aluminum decking, order road signs, and build the approaches on either side. Then there will be a couple of days for cleaning up the job site, installing the road signs, and other final tasks to finish the job.
The previous bridge, built after the 1985 flood, was closed July 26 after safety concerns were identified during a routine inspection.
Plans and designs are also being developed for a permanent replacement bridge in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Highways. This structure will be built just downstream of the existing bridge. Both projects are funded by the USDA Forest Service through the Great American Outdoors Act.
The Laneville bridge provides access to the community of Laneville, the Red Creek trailhead, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and other recreational facilities, and is a key connection between Randolph, Tucker, and Grant counties. The Forest Service has been coordinating closely with emergency management officials in those counties and will continue to cooperate and facilitate their requests to provide services in the area.
We will continue to post updates as they become available on the website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ MonongahelaNF. Contact the Petersburg office at (304) 257-4488 for assistance.
