Plans to build a bridge connecting residents in the Springer Addition neighborhood in Triadelphia with access to U.S. 40 have begun. Neighbors watch as the water again rises during rains on Thursday. (Photo by Joselyn King)

WHEELING – The Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group has spent nearly $50,000 thus far to start the replacement of a new bridge in the Triadelphia area washed out during June 14, 2025 flooding.

The bridge served six families in the Springer Addition, who were left without access to U.S. 40.

The LTDRG has spent $46,603 so far on the bridge replacement, according to Staci Stephen, executive director of the United Way for the Ohio Valley. But that won’t be all of the cost, she said.

“We’ve been renting the equipment to place the beams, and we still have to pay for that,” she said. There will also be additional costs.

As for when it will be completed, she isn’t certain.

“It depends on the weather,” she said. “If there is good weather, they should have it done in a couple of months.”

Debbie Michaels, one of the lead case managers with LTDRG, played a central role in advancing the project by securing permits, sourcing materials, and organizing volunteer support, Stephen said.

Construction efforts are being carried out by community members and skilled professionals who have generously donated their time – among them, Eli White, Dave Paul, Denton Clask and Devon White, Stephen noted.

Funding for the bridge has been made possible through contributions from the homeowners, community fundraisers, and LTRDG-managed recovery funds.

“This bridge represents far more than a physical structure,” Stephen said. “It stands as a testament to the resilience of our neighbors and the extraordinary collaboration that defines our community. None of this would have been possible without the generous donations from the community and we can’t thank you all enough.”

The LTDRG is reporting significant progress in the nine months since June 14, 2025 flooding devastated Valley Grove, Triadelphia and other areas of Ohio County.

Initially, more than 60 families were displaced by the flood or in need of temporary housing. Today just one family is still living in a hotel, and they are expected to return to their homes, according to data provided by Stephen. Others have been unable to return to their homes, are living with family members or have found temporary housing.

The LTDRG has thus far distributed over $726,000 to local flood survivors – providing them with building materials, as well heating and air conditioning equipment and hot water heaters, the data indicates.

The LTDRG has 15 volunteer case managers who navigate interactions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and procure funding and physical items to help with recovery.

The case workers have completed work on 129 flood recovery cases, while another 38 remain active, according to the provided data.

There are 22 cases listed as pending, and 15 where contact could not be established with the property owner, it states.

Stephen reported he LTDRG has sent out more than 500 postcards to those living in affected communities to make sure there is not someone who is still in need.

“We are trying to finish out the cases we have left,” she said. “We want to make sure no one else is in need, and that we provide follow up support.

“If they do need something , they should call us and let us know what they need.”

The group stressed that recovery efforts reflect the collective commitment of the LTDRG and its partner organizations, including: Catholic Charities West Virginia; the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley; the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency; the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley; Newbridge Church; the Ohio County Family Resource Network; employees of Ohio County Commission; House of the Carpenter; Bill Fisher; the West Virginia Housing Development Fund; the Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department; Triadelphia Methodist Church; St. Matthew’s Church; WVVOAD; the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling; the Salvation Army in Wheeling; Preston Smith; Habitat for Humanity; and St. Vincent de Paul.

The LTDRG has acquired through donations from the community and purchases items needed for rebuilding homes – such as air conditioning, plumbing, electrical work, drywall and cabinets.

“Anything they need, they can reach out to us,” Stephen said of flood survivors. “It is exciting. We still have a long way to go, but we want to make sure people make it back to their homes, or are in a safe place to live.

“We couldn’t have done it without donations from the community. We have been told this flood is ahead of other disasters, and that is because of the community and donations of supplies.”

Flood victims still in need of assistance should call the LTDRG at 304-312-9250.