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Paving Scheduled for Section of National Road in Preparation for I-70 Bridges Project

Paving is scheduled to begin Monday evening on this section of National Road between Mt. Dechantal Road and 7th Street in North Wheeling.

WHEELING — In anticipation of much heavier traffic flow on a local detour once the I-70 Bridges Project begins, the West Virginia Division of Highways is scheduled to begin paving the section of National Road between Mt. DeChantal Road and 7th Street in North Wheeling during overnight hours the next two weeks starting Monday.

Motorists traveling that section of National Road can expect delays from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday for the next two weeks as resurfacing work is scheduled for that stretch of road in preparation of the I-70 Bridges Project, according to DOH Area Engineer Mike Witherow. Two-way traffic will be maintained in one lane by flaggers throughout the two-week milling and paving project. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and expect delays during the paving.

“We just wanted to pave it so that it will hold up during that period we need the detour,” Witherow explained. “When the Fulton Bridge is closed, that is our local detour,” he added. Witherow said Interstate 470 will be the “through” detour during the bridges project, while National Road will serve as the local detour.

Witherow said the DOH is currently in the process of upgrading the sidewalk/curb wheelchair accessible ramps along that stretch of road in order to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act before the paving begins. Local contractor Kelly Paving will be doing the road paving, while Swank Construction is currently working on the curbs and wheelchair ramps.

With the first major closure of the I-70 Bridges Project for the westbound lanes on the east side of the Wheeling Tunnel scheduled to begin on Feb. 1, business owners along National Road in the Fulton neighborhood have mixed opinions to how their businesses may or may not be impacted by the scheduled detour for that section of the city.

Generations Restaurant and Pub owner Michael Duplaga III said he doesn’t know how the detour will affect his business.

“I don’t know what to expect. … I just hope it’s not bumper to bumper traffic,” Duplaga said.

He said while the additional traffic may be a boost to businesses in that area, but bumper-to-bumper traffic may discourage patrons at times. Duplaga said while he supports and understands the critical need for the I-70 project and is excited to have traffic detoured past his business, he is hopeful it’s not too much traffic that creates congestion and frustration.

Fulton Tire Owner Patsy Dicesare echoed Duplaga’s comments about the impending detour. He said while it’s going to bring more traffic past his business, he believes it might cause more traffic back-ups, making it harder to get in and out of the businesses in that area.

“It’s hard to say … but I think it might help (business) a little bit,” Dicesare said.

Any questions or concerns regarding the I-70 Bridges Project can be directed to the DOH hotline at 304-810-3214. Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule.

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