The following is a list of frequently asked questions
- with answers - commonly called a "FAQ" document on the Internet
- that the WVDOH provides as a resource to help you learn more about the
Corridor D Project.
This list will be modified throughout the life of the
Corridor D Project. If you have a question that is not answered here,
please see the links at right to let us know.
1. Why did the West Virginia Division of Highways choose
this alignment for Corridor D?
Several alternatives were evaluated and it was determined
that this alignment best satisfied the goals of the project, such as reduced
congestion, local and regional economic development, neighborhood preservation,
and regional connectivity.
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2. The selected alternative includes a bridge over the
Ohio River in the vicinity of Blennerhassett Island, what impact will
the structure have on the island?
The Division of Highways worked with several agencies
to mitigate the impacts of the structure on the Island. The bridge will
be a low-profile structure located at the southern end of the Island,
which is the farthest point from the mansion. The existing Parkersburg-Belpre
bridge will be more visible from the mansion area than the new structure
will be. Additionally, a thorough and exhaustive effort will be made to
preserve any artifacts during the construction of the bridge.
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3. This alignment will acquire two recreational facilities,
Godbey Field and Classic Golf Club, what is the DOH doing to mitigate
these impacts?
The DOH is relocating the Godbey Field sports complex
near the location of the existing complex in south Parkersburg. Construction
on the Godbey Field Relocation project is expected to begin this Spring
and it is anticipated that the project will be completed by the Fall of
this year. The Classic Golf Club is located on Parkersburg city property.
The lease agreement contained provisions for the construction of this
alignment of Corridor D.
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4. How will Corridor D help alleviate traffic in the
downtown area?
Presently, traffic traveling through the region has to
maneuver through downtown Parkersburg and part of downtown Belpre. Corridor
D will remove this through traffic from the central business districts
(CBD) and consequently traffic volumes will be reduced in these areas.
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5. Will the routing of through traffic around the CBDs
have a negative impact on existing businesses?
No, in fact, both existing and future businesses will
benefit from the reduced congestion since access to the CBDs will be improved.
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6. Is the purpose of Corridor D to help alleviate traffic
or to generate economic development?
The primary goal of Corridor D is economic development.
This section of the corridor is the "missing link" of Corridor D of the
Appalachian Development Highway System, a transportation system enacted
by the United States Congress through the Appalachian Regional Development
Act of 1965 to stimulate economic growth in rural Appalachia. However,
local benefits such as reduced congestion and economic development will
be afforded by the project.
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7. Why is the WVDOH building Corridor D?
For the reasons mentioned above, plus this project has
been the foundation of the region's long-range Transportation Plan for
many years.
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8. How much is Corridor D going to cost?
Corridor D is estimated to cost between $270 million and
$300 million.
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9. How long will it take to complete Corridor D?
The last phase of the project is the bridge over the
Ohio River and the estimated completion date for this structure is
the Spring of 2008.
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Other Questions?
Do you have other questions that are not answered in this
document? Please let us know. See the Contact DOH
page, or send an email
directly from here.
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