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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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