How Objectives Were Addressed

At the beginning of this report, the objectives to be achieved that were established by the Coordinating Committee were enumerated. In conclusion, it is appropriate to discuss how this Plan has achieved that end. What follows is a brief discussion of each objective and the manner in which it has been addressed.

  1. Make a logical, efficient link from I-79 to downtown Fairmont and the Fairmont State College/Locust Avenue area that heightens the image and visibility of downtown and resolves traffic congestion problems on Fairmont and Locust Avenues. This objective is addressed by several recommendations including the I-79/Downtown Connector, improvements to US 250 and either one or both of the Third Street Bridge/WV 310 extension or the Coal Run Hollow Parkway. Further study of these last two facilities is expected to begin in the near future.
  2. Modernize the roadway system in Marion County, including adequate roadway widths, adequate shoulders, and efficiently functioning intersections. This objective is addressed by the recommendations in the Plan calling for upgrades to the primary roadway system in the County, the addition of coordinated closed-loop traffic signal systems in high traffic areas on US 250 and Locust Avenue, and capacity improvements to key intersections, such as Country Club Road/US 250 intersection and the WV 218/US 250 intersection.
  3. Provide good access to the County for commercial traffic without passing through downtown Fairmont. This objective is met by the recommendations to build the Rivesville Connector, the US 250/US 19 Connector, the Eldora/Enterprise Connector, and the upgrade/realignment of and redesignation of a portion of CR 27 to make it part of WV 218.
  4. Provide an integrated transportation system that ties together the various transportation modes (i.e., automobile, public transit, bicycle, pedestrian, rail, truck and water), and that provides a greater range of transportation options including pedestrian and bicycle facilities in key areas. This objective is met by recommendations in this Plan pertaining to the various modes of transportation aside from roadway construction.
  5. Provide improved access from I-79 to the western areas of Marion County. This objective also is met by the recommendations to build the Rivesville Connector, the US 250/US 19 Connector, the Eldora/Enterprise Connector, and the upgrade, realignment and redesignation of CR 27 to make it part of WV 218. It would also be met by the potential construction of an I-68 spur through the western areas of the County connecting from I-79 at the Saltwell Road interchange in Harrison County to the Ohio River Valley somewhere between New Martinsburg and Moundsville.
  6. Create a plan that is feasible and affordable and makes good economic sense. This objective has been met by insuring that the recommendations are within the reasonable expectations of funds that may be available for transportation projects in Marion County during the planning period (1999-2020).
  7. Provide for quality traffic flow throughout the County. This objective is met by the Plan as a whole with the recognition that the planned improvements must function as a system and should be implemented in a fashion that recognizes the complex interactions of its various components.
  8. Provide infrastructure support for economic development. This objective is met by the Plan as a whole, but is addressed in particular by the recommendations to build the Rivesville Connector and Eldora/Enterprise Connector to provide good access to areas with development potential. The recommendations to upgrade CR 58, CR 27 and CR 73/28 (Suncrest Boulevard) also address this objective.
  9. Provide access from I-79 to the northern areas of the County. This objective is primarily met by the recommendation to build the Rivesville Connector with a bridge crossing the Monongahela River near Dakota.
  10. Improve roadway links to adjoining counties other than I-79 to support commercial traffic. This objective is met through the recommendations to upgrade the primary roadway system in the County.
  11. Provide for ongoing maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Ongoing maintenance is normally outside the purview of a long range transportation plan, however, this Plan makes recommendations that a study of sight distances at intersections be performed and that the normal maintenance of county routes include a practice of upgrading as regular maintenance is performed.
  12. Promote revitalization of downtown Fairmont. This objective is met by the recommendation to build the I-79/Downtown Connector, and by the various recommendations that will make it possible to shift commercial truck traffic out of the downtown area. Also, the recommendation to use TEA-21 enhancement funds to provide pedestrian and streetscape improvements in the downtown area will aid in the revitalization of the downtown.
  13. Provide for improved access to identifiable tourist attractions such as the State Parks. This objective is met by the recommendations to replace the bridge over Pricketts Creek on CR 72 and/or the construction of a new connection to Pricketts Fort State Park in conjunction with building the Rivesville Connector. It is also met by the recommendation to upgrade WV 310 east of I-79 toward Valley Falls State Park.
  14. Provide safe and adequate access to growing residential areas. This objective is met by the recommendation to upgrade the primary roadway system in the County.

Next Section: Appendix A - Project Web Site


FAIRMONT/MARION COUNTY MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Final Report
Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc.