The West Virginia Division of Highways removed several signs Thursday that had been located within state rights of way.
“It is against the law to put any signs on state rights of way,” said Robert Whipp, WVDOH District 6 engineer. “Many of them were too close to the road, so we took the down.”
Whipp said signs were removed from areas along Interstates 70 and 470, W.Va. 2 between Wheeling and Warwood, and National Road in the Woodsdale area.
“We maintain our property through Warwood, especially the ditch line,” he said. “Signs are not permitted in areas between the ditch and roadway or any grassy area between the sidewalk and curb.”
Whipp said WVDOH issued a press release in March warning candidates not to place signs in rights of way.
“They were told if they put them up, we will take them down,” he said.
Whipp said no citations were issued, but state law calls for a $500 fine for such offenses.
He noted that signs will be removed if they impede vision for motorists or interfere with maintenance procedures. He also said candidates may reclaim their signs.
“We have them at the Ohio County garage in Triadelphia,” he said. “All they have to do is come and get them.”
Article Photos
Photo by Fred Connors
Political campaign signs are stacked outside the Ohio County garage at Triadelphia after they were removed from along roadways in the county Thursday.
