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After weeks of public outcry over non-existent communication and an apparent lack of planning by the West Virginia Department of Transportation when it comes to how a $32 million downtown overhaul would impact businesses operating there, we've finally learned a few things about the Downtown Streetscape Project:
n The work, originally set for completion at the end of November 2024, is now delayed until the summer of 2025 -- and likely will finish later than that. Anyone who's witnessed the issues encountered downtown with underground vaults and other concerns should not be surprised by the delay;
n The project's contractor, Triton Construction, has run into additional issues with replacing a major sewer line on Market Street that currently has three of the four blocks of Market Street downtown essentially closed to vehicular traffic -- and foot traffic there is risky businesses with all the work underway;
n There remains no plan to provide additional signage or improved communications for those traveling through downtown. How nice it would be to welcome visitors with a "Pardon us" sign noting how nice downtown will be once the project's finished;
n Finally, the new parking garage at the corner of 11th and Market streets -- the garage meant to service the planned Wheeling-Pitt Lofts, a project that lately there appears to be no movement on -- also is impacting how traffic maneuvers through the area.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation offered a public response Thursday on the project -- it's first public interaction on the Streetscape in months. Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron also offered his thoughts on the work.
"We've said from the beginning that this is a very difficult project," Herron said. "Streetscapes are hard. They limit access to businesses just by their nature with the sidewalks and curbs. But this is even more difficult because of the storm sewer on Market Street.
"If you've been down Market Street or walked down Market Street, you'll see that's a very, very large pipe in a very confined space. That has caused even greater problems, I think, than the sidewalks have as part of the Streetscape on Main Street."
So now we at least have an update on the ongoing work. Good for state officials for finally providing information on the project. Given the scope of the work and its impact, these updates should be done twice a month. With more than 18 months left in the project, that would provide a show of good-will toward the public and ensure city leaders and downtown stakeholders are fully aware of what's taking place.