In 1965, Corridor D (U.S. Route 50) was one of 23 high-speed
transportation corridors proposed by the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC). The objective for the development of Corridor D was to provide
access to major urban centers along the East Coast from points throughout
the Midwest, while providing opportunities for economic development in
Northwest West Virginia and Southeast Ohio.
Currently, construction of Corridor D has been completed
along U.S. Route 50 from Clarksburg, West Virginia, to the Interstate
77 / Route 50 Interchange just east of Parkersburg, West Virginia. After
crossing the Ohio River into Belpre, Ohio, Route 50 once again becomes
a four lane undivided highway. Studies have been conducted to examine
the completion of the corridor on new and existing locations from the
US 50 / I 77 Interchange to US 50 in Belpre. It was determined that the
construction of Corridor D would help alleviate congested roadways throughout
the study area with a new four lane highway with partially controlled
access. Major portions of existing routes from Belpre, to Parkersburg
and points east are considered inadequate to meet the areas future transportation
needs.
A number of local government entities have voiced their
support for the completion of the Corridor D extension project. In 1995,
the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Wood-Washington-Wirt Interstate
Planning Commission and locally elected officials from Wood and Washington
Counties signed a proclamation in support of the project. Many local officials
believe the construction Corridor D is critical to the long-term growth
of the greater Parkersburg / Belpre area.
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Objective & Benefits
The Primary objective of the Corridor D project is to
stimulate economic development in and around the greater Parkersburg /
Belpre area. The increased access and mobility will help the area achieve
its full development potential by attracting new investment and corporate
interest.
Located along the Ohio River, one of the busiest commercial
waterways in the nation, the Parkersburg / Belpre area will provide an
attractive new investment site to new or expanding business. The areas
close proximity to major markets such as Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, will also help attract both industrial and commercial development.
According to recent studies, one of the greatest deterrents to growth
in the study area was a lack of sufficient highway infrastructure.
The project will also help alleviate increased traffic
congestion along Route 50 by providing an alternate route for commuters
and travelers. Controlled access to the new highway will provide motorists
with greater access to downtown Parkersburg, as well as, access to new
land for development.
Studies have concluded that as a result of the incomplete
Corridor D system, local traffic is conflicting with regional travelers
that have destinations well beyond the Parkersburg / Belpre area. In fact,
studies predict that by 2013, without the completion of Corridor D, the
current roadway system will be unable to provide adequate service in the
greater Parkersburg / Belpre area. Traffic volumes along the US Route
50 facility through Parkersburg have exceeded the route's ability to serve
them adequately. Additionally, Parkersburg's Seventh Street is among the
most congested along the current Route 50. It is predicted that 50% of
the traffic entering and exiting downtown Parkersburg via Seventh Street
will be diverted to Corridor D, relieving congestion in the downtown area.
In addition to relieving heavy traffic volume, the new
corridor will provide a much safer alternative for motorists. Current
roadways in the Parkersburg area are characterized by restricted sight
distance, diminished intersection operating characteristics and horizontal
alignment based upon old standards, and significant on street parking
and other obstructions to traffic flow.
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Public Opinions/Concerns
Public Opinion surrounding the Corridor D completion is
generally supportive of the project. Businesses, private organizations
and private citizens in favor of the project believe the project would
benefit the area in helping reduce the current traffic problems, improving
roadway safety and aid the area in economic development through industrial
opportunities and business expansion. Opposition to the Corridor D project
based their concerns primarily on the construction cost, the impact on
the natural environment and the potential impact on recreational areas
as well as cultural and natural resources.
The impact of the new corridor on the natural environment
is strictly regulated. Measures have been taken to avoid or mitigate impacts
to all publicly owned and accessed parks, recreational areas, and wildlife
and waterfowl refuges. All archaeological sites, historic buildings, structures,
objects, etc. listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register
of Historic Places have been afforded protection.
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Conclusion
The ultimate goal for the construction of Corridor D is
to build a facility that best addresses the areas greatest needs. The
completion of the Corridor D project will provide residents and travelers
with a safer and more efficient alternative to the current roadway system,
while enhancing the area's economic development efforts. The proposed
project is determined to be the least environmentally damaging, practicable
alternative that fulfills the project's purpose and need.
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