Mayor Nelson discusses hazardous road areas with media and members of the city administration.

On Monday, May 12, New Martinsville Mayor Keith Nelson held a press conference at city hall to express the need for a solution to pedestrian safety in the city. He spoke primarily about the stretch of W.Va. 2 from the Steelton Plaza down to the lower shopping plaza.

He referred to multiple incidents in the last four months where a pedestrian and vehicles have come into contact. In one incident, a young man was severely injured and was transported to Morgantown with serious major injuries.

In a recent city council meeting, councilman Steven Pallisco offered a resolution that focuses on efforts to secure a solution to protect citizens who must walk in that dangerous area.

Mayor Nelson described the area of Route 2 within the city limits as a hazard to pedestrians. “Some of the residents that live in the apartments in that area only have walking access to shopping and work in nearby businesses,” said Nelsen. “The everyday act of shopping for a gallon of milk requires walking within a couple of feet of major traffic, and increasingly large trucks.”

He reported that over the years there have been at least three deaths by vehicle’s striking pedestrians along that stretch of highway. There have been several other injuries and many reported close calls in the last 30 years.

Nelson related the problem to when the state, in an effort to help with traffic flow, constructed a turning lane in that stretch of road. This additional lane greatly reduced the space alongside the road. In particular the area where the road crosses Williamson Run. Pedestrians with baby carriages, those in wheelchairs along with individuals wearing dark clothing are particularly susceptible to contact with vehicles.

Councilman Steven Pallisco stated there is an answer to the problem, but it requires assistance from the WV Roads Department. Two years ago, Pallisco reported a plan was put into place with the help of State Senator Charles Clemens. Unfortunately, with changing state leadership the project seems to have fallen by the wayside.

New Martinsville Police Chief, Tim Cecil reported that his department has stepped up officer presence in the area to increase driver awareness, but this is only a deterrent to those who may be exceeding the posted speed limit. It has been suggested the speed limit in those areas be reduced, but still the lack of safe walking areas would remain.

Two weeks ago, State Senator Charles Clemens who represents Wetzel County traveled to Charleston for the express purpose of meeting with Governor Patrick Morrisey to bring the problem to his attention, with the hopes of gaining his support in resolving the issue. Clemens reported that the governor heard his concerns, but at the time offered little help, other than to have his staff look into the problems.

It was suggested in the meeting that a coalition of city, county and state representives could come together to help bring attention to the problem. It was recognized that the increase in traffic is a problem that affects all city roads, but the area near the Villas apartments is of immediate need. It is not a question of if an accident will happen in the future, but when. Could the next time be a child in a stroller or a person in a wheelchair. The liability question looms large over the situation and if a large truck were involved, the cost in litigation could far exceed the cost of the improvement to the walkway.

Mayor Nelson, Councilman Steven Pallisco, Chief Cecil and Senator Clemens all are working towards resolving the problem for the citizens of the community. It should be noted that a couple years ago there was an answer until politics changed, since then multiple injuries have occurred. Could further delays cost a life?