File Photo The West Virginia Division of Highways is moving forward with traffic and environmental studies for a proposed second Interstate 70 interchange at The Highlands retail development, pictured here.

TRIADELPHIA — The West Virginia Division of Highways is paying for traffic and environmental studies as the next step toward a second interchange at The Highlands.

Ohio County Administrator Randy Russell reported progress on the issue during a recent meeting of the Ohio County Development Authority board of directors.

He explained the state, after extensive negotiation, has executed a contract with Mead & Hunt of Charleston to conduct the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)-required traffic and environmental studies needed for the second interchange.

“They felt this interchange has been designed and re-designed so many times that they don’t need to go into full design at this point,” he told board members. “They also will go out and identify what the EPA and the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) considers as streams. I would consider them gullies as they are dry until it rains, but they consider them streams.

“They will determine what kind of impact these are going to have on the streams in the valley. We may have to do some mitigation or buy some credits at some point.”

Russell said he had a call scheduled next week with state officials about the project.

“Hopefully we will get some positive feedback and get that rolling,” he said.

Talk of a second interchange at The Highlands has existed ever since the development opened more than 20 years ago.

More than a decade ago, federal agencies estimated the cost to build the second interchange at as much as $35 million. County officials now believe the price tag is at least double that amount.

The most recent design for the interchange, discussed in January 2024, was proposed as a “half interchange” accommodating those traveling from downtown Wheeling, Ohio and points west and then returning home.

A traditional ramp system consists of four ramps — an on-ramp and an off-ramp for those coming from the east, and another set of ramps for those coming from the west.

But what was proposed then was a partial interchange with Interstate 70 that would be located west of the Millennium Centre Technology Park.

Two ramps would be constructed to accommodate those traveling east to The Highlands from downtown Wheeling and Ohio, then returning home on the westbound side.

There would be no on-ramps or off-ramps in the second interchange for those driving in from Washington, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh or Morgantown. It is thought those motorists would continue to use the existing interchange.