A vision came to fruition Friday with the official dedication of the Tunnel Ridge Silo Bypass of the Wheeling Heritage Trail.

Ohio County Rails to Trails Manager/Project Engineer Robert "Scat" Scatterday unveiled the bypass at a ceremony Friday before project organizers, corporate partners and city leaders, including Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie and Councilman Robert "Herk" Henry.

The Tunnel Ridge Silo bypass is a 400-foot detour around Alliance Coal's massive Tunnel Ridge coal silo just north of Wheeling on W.Va. 2. The project took about one year to complete, and it helps ensure the safety of those jogging, walking or biking along the trail. It also provides Alliance Coal with the space needed to refurbish the silo.

It didn't take long for the bypass to be utilized. Alliance Coal LLC Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas F. Wynne was one of the first to jump on a bike and pedal his way from the bypass to Wheeling's Heritage Port. He was accompanied by Vice President Ted Norris, his wife, Robin, and other local bikers.

Scatterday said Alliance Coal and Preston Contracting of Kingwood, W.Va., donated more than $25,000 to the construction and completion of the bypass project. He commended those companies for their support, and he described Alliance Coal as "the kind of neighbor any community would benefit from having."

Scatterday also said the benefits of the Tunnel Ridge Silo Bypass project extend beyond the local community.

"I believe it's one of those relationships that's a win-win, win-win, win," he said. "It benefits the coal company, the city, the county, the state highway department and the public. Everyone benefits. The bottom line is that the public is the ultimate benefactor."

The Wheeling Heritage Trail connects all of Wheeling's neighborhoods with the goal of making Wheeling a destination community for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

The Heritage Trail is part of a $10 million, multi-phase plan for Wheeling's trail system.

The trail runs along the Ohio River from 48th Street to the Brooke County line.

There is one spur that breaks off downtown, travels along South Street and eventually to 17th Street before heading east to Elm Grove through the sole tunnel on the route, Tunnel Green. The current trail totals 13 miles.

Ohio Valley Trail Partners volunteer Ben Stout worked with Scatterday on the Tunnel Ridge Silo Bypass.

He said a 7-mile gap in the trail is all that prevents it from becoming the largest of its kind in the United States. He said research currently is being conducted in hopes of connecting the separated portions of the trail.

"Our trail is the east-west corridor for bike trails," Stout said. "We are lacking 7 miles of being connected (Washington) D.C. It will be the longest continuous trail in the country."