With no constructed sidewalk in the area from the upper plaza to the south plaza, pedestrians must navigate this narrow area with less than three feet of gravel walkway in the Williams Run area.

On May 19, Mayor Keith Nelson convened a Zoom meeting with state officials to discuss the issue of pedestrian safety in New Martinsville. Attending from state agencies were Timothy Sedosky, Section Head at WVDOH. Michael Daley, WVDOH- District 3 Manager and Jacob Bumgardner, State HighWays Engineer.

Along with Nelson, City Councilman Steve Pallisco, City Recorder Kim Whiteman, Grant Writer, Bev Gibbs and State Senator Charles Clemens were present.

The issue of the section of road ways from Tractor Supply Shopping Plaza down to the four lane was discussed as how to proceed to find a safe solution to the restricted walking lane for pedestrians.

It was pointed out by Pallisco, that over the years since the third lane was constructed, there have been several pedestrian injuries by passing traffic. It was also stated that three deaths have been accredited to that stretch of highway.

Mayor Nelson pointed out that the apartments in that area have residences that due to age or financial situation lack vehicle transportation. This necessitates their need to walk to the plazas to shop. It was also stated some residences are employed by nearby businesses and walk to work.

Discussion was held concerning right-a-way and utility poles. State officials explained that when the third lane was introduced, the state’s right-a-way was utilized in its construction. At this point a walkway would in all likelihood need to be constructed behind utility poles.

Mayor Nelson assured the officials much of the right-a-way procurement he believed would not be an issue. As Pallisco stated, it is the area that crosses Williams Run that would pose the biggest engineering question.

In further discussion, Bev Gibbs pointed out that a study, (Safe WalkWays) was performed a few years ago, and has some answers to the state officials’ questions. The main question was not the necessity of a safe walkway, but the financial resources to pay for the project. Timothy Sedosky explained that grants are often an 80%, 20% cost. City is responsible for 20%, plus the engineering cost.

Estimated cost could be 1.3 million using known cost of other sidewalk projects.

The city may Petition the state to reduce the speed limit in that area from 45 to 35. But it was also stated that this change would not address a solution to the closeness of pedestrians to a heavily trafficked road.

It was decided in the end that all parties would meet again in a few weeks to discuss any progress and any answers the state may procure, and the city recommendations for improvements.