"College Station's Road Closure: Impact on Drivers and Residents"
Complaints and the Initial Situation
Multiple complaints regarding the dangerous road conditions on Lincoln Avenue brought this issue to the forefront. Drivers were constantly faced with the challenge of having to stop and turn around due to the closure. Jim Tronolone shared his perspective, stating, "For the longest time, they tried to keep one side of the lane open, but as the construction progressed, it led to an excessive number of potholes." This situation has been a cause for concern for both local residents and those passing through.
Recently, viewers sent in pictures of their damaged cars after traveling down Lincoln Avenue, further emphasizing the severity of the problem. The cumulative effect of these complaints led the city to take decisive action and close down Lincoln Avenue from Texas Avenue to Tarrow Street.
The Construction Timeline and Goals
The road has been under construction since the summer with the aim of installing a new water line. Project Manager Raquel Gonzales explained, "We're currently on track, and with this closure, we believe it will expedite the completion of the project. We hope this project will end late to mid-fall of 2025." This timeline provides some clarity on when the residents can expect the road to be back in proper condition.
During the construction period, the inconvenience caused to the drivers and residents has been significant. However, the city is committed to ensuring the quality of the work and the safety of the public once the project is completed.
Contact with Affected Drivers
Gonzales also informed KBTX that the city has been in close contact with drivers whose vehicles have been damaged as a result of the road condition. This shows the city's concern for the well-being of its residents and their property.
The closure of Lincoln Avenue has undoubtedly brought about various challenges and disruptions. However, it is a necessary step in ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the road. As the project progresses, the city will continue to keep the public informed about the developments.
Project Details and Context
According to DOH Highway Engineer Associate Chad Lowther and Senior Highway Engineer Dirar Ahmad, the work on Green Bag Road begins just east of the intersection with the Mountaineer Mall entrance and ends at the intersection with Jonathan Lane. The road will be widened along this portion, and a five-foot sidewalk will be constructed. More controversially, the project includes the construction of two new roundabouts - one at the Green Bag Road and Kingwood Pike/Dosey Avenue intersection and the other at the Mississippi Street intersection.In 2014-15, the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization conducted a study of the Green Bag Road route, looking at the entire corridor including the operation of the Kingwood Pike and Mississippi Street intersections. It indicated that both fail to adequately move vehicles during high traffic times. After that, the conversation gained significant momentum when it was known that roundabouts were a major component of the state's prescribed solution.In a 2020 guest editorial for The Dominion Post, MPO Executive Director Bill Austin explained the reasoning for traffic circles. The WVDOH's preliminary engineering study found that installing a roundabout would make traveling the corridor significantly quicker than signals. Roundabouts are also safer as there can be no "T-bone" accidents. Moreover, a roundabout can be constructed at a lower cost to taxpayers and does not require displacing businesses or residences.Community Impact
Members of the Hastings family operate a community garden on their property at the Green Bag and Kingwood Pike intersection. They opposed the plan and pressured the DOH to conduct an environmental study for a project that was initially said to be exempt. The study opened a public comment opportunity, which the state extended due to the amount of feedback received. In early 2022, the DOH issued its findings stating that the project would have no significant environmental impact. However, it did require funding for community gardens to address the loss of the Hastings property. The MPO distributed $15,000 in community garden grants this year.The Mississippi Street roundabout will require about two acres of property owned by the city of Morgantown, which is the location of the city's maintenance and public works garage. The city has assured that the loss of the property will not impact the garage's functionality and remains fully supportive of the overall Green Bag project.Construction Details
Lowther previously told The Dominion Post that traffic control during construction will be managed through a combination of flaggers, temporary signals, and temporary road closures. There is a detour projected to last two weeks using Kingwood Pike, Summer School Road, and WV 7.Long term, this is just the beginning phase of the work planned for Green Bag Road. Phase II will focus on the rest of the road - from Mississippi Street to Don Knotts Boulevard, including improvements to the major intersection at one end and from Lucky Lane to Deckers Creek Boulevard at the other. This project is currently listed at just over $12.4 million.