FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. (The Hinton News) – Following a two-day tour across Ohio, Brooke, and Hancock counties, Governor Patrick Morrisey joined Senator Laura Chapman and Delegate Jimmy Willis today in Brooke County to detail a slate of targeted West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) and Division of Highways (WVDOH) projects taking shape in the Northern Panhandle. Highlighting the region’s hard-working workforce, community leadership, and growing economic momentum, Governor Morrisey emphasized that modern roads and safe bridges remain essential to long-term progress.
“Standing in the heart of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, you see what makes our state strong – its people, partnerships, and progress,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “When we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in our people. Our administration is putting words into action across all four counties by modernizing legacy structures, paving critical corridors, and allocating resources efficiently so no community in West Virginia is left behind.”
Governor Morrisey credited Chapman and Willis for their continued advocacy for infrastructure improvements across the region.
“Senator Chapman understands that reliable infrastructure isn’t just about pavement and steel. It’s about safety, jobs, and ensuring our communities can thrive,” Governor Morrisey added. “I deeply appreciate her partnership as we deliver on the needs of the Panhandle. I am also grateful for Delegate Willis bringing these needs to my attention and advocating for his district.”
To ensure long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, Governor Morrisey has also instructed WVDOT Secretary Todd Rumbaugh to conduct a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of West Virginia’s aging roads and bridge inventory. Key Panhandle infrastructure projects detailed today include:
WV 2 Improvement Project (New Cumberland): Modernizing a vital traffic artery to improve safety and regional vehicle flow through Hancock County.
Weirton Steel Overpass Bridge: Vital work to remove the structure and place the road on grade.
WV 88 / Northern Bethany Pike: Resurfacing and structural updates to guarantee smoother commutes and long-term roadway stability.
Veterans Memorial Bridge: Executing essential cable replacement work to maintain structural integrity on the iconic interstate river crossing.
Harmon Creek Crossing Bridge (Weirton): Securing dedicated Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) grant funding for design phase work to enhance local access.
Wheeling Streetscape Project: Transforming downtown Wheeling to strengthen pedestrian safety, support local businesses, and revitalize the urban core.
Washington Avenue Bridge: Targeted structural repairs to maintain safe local transit operations.
Wheeling Heritage Trail & Hempfield Tunnel: Allocating TAP grant funding for the design and complete rehabilitation of the historic 495-foot tunnel, preserving local heritage and expanding outdoor recreation.
Washington Pike Paving (Wheeling): Repaving the final 2.6 miles of WV 27, from WV 88 to the Pennsylvania state line, with a 1.5-inch overlay and shoulder stone, completing paving along the corridor.
US 22 Concrete Paving: Major surface upgrades delivering smoother travel for commuting families and heavy commercial haulers.
I-70 (Middle Creek to PA State Line): Extensive interstate upgrades built to handle high-volume freight traffic and connect West Virginia seamlessly with neighboring markets.
