Regarding the perception that Corridor H is underutilized, this concern has been raised about many other corridors as well. In my research on various corridors such as Corridor L (US 19), Corridor G (US 119), Corridor D in Ohio (OH 32), Corridor Q in Kentucky (US 460), Corridor B (US 23), Corridor T (NY 17), and Corridor U (US 15), I found similar sentiments.
However, it's important to note that traffic counts aren't the sole reason for the development of these corridors. For instance, Corridor H sees over 24,000 vehicles per day (VPD) at its westernmost point, 11,700 VPD near Elkins, and 4,400 VPD approaching the Allegheny Front. It would not be fair to judge the highway's low traffic counts east of Elkins at this juncture because it has glaring gaps in its completion. Accessing some ski resorts from I-79, for instance, is still easier to do via US 33 than US 48; others will always be more accessible from US 33 but were made easier to get to via US 48 elsewhere. Furthermore, safety, especially concerning truck routes, plays a significant role. In the western segments of Corridor H, trucks constitute 11% of the traffic. Economic development and the goal of providing all regions with equal access to dependable transport networks are other influential factors. Indeed, the ADHS highway corridors are crucial to the mission of the Appalachian Regional Commission.
As for the environmental impact of Corridor H, it's relatively minimal. In areas where many believe the highway encroaches on "pristine" ecosystems, the land has already been altered significantly due to coal strip mining, timber harvesting, and other developmental activities. For instance, east of Davis towards the Allegheny Front, the route–though a matter of concern for environmentalists–follows the path of the existing WV 93, which was not that old of a road. This section also passes through areas previously mined. Additionally, west of Thomas, the highway will intersect with land historically used for extensive mining and timbering, marked by remnants like beehive coke ovens that were highly polluting. While this doesn't negate the need for careful construction measures, it does provide a more balanced perspective on the project's environmental implications.
The development and debate around Corridor H illustrate the complexities of regional development, especially when balancing economic, environmental, and societal needs.
Corridor H, being the most studied roadway in the state, showcases the importance and impact a single infrastructure project can have on an entire region. While the original alignment of US 33 might have served its purpose at the time, shifting development priorities, ecological concerns, and regional growth necessitated a re-evaluation. The new terrain northward then became a viable option.
My personal observation of the Davis/Thomas area over the past two decades highlights the transformative power of infrastructure. Towns like Thomas, once dwindling coal communities similar to many in the southwest of the state, and Davis, a timber-based town, were in decline. Their primary economic draw centered on what little tourism there was up there at the time, specifically Blackwater Falls and the ski resorts.
However, with the improved accessibility provided by Corridor H, previously under-recognized areas like Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley, and the National Forest have seen a surge in visitors and interest. Thomas is completely full of shops in a renovated downtown, and Davis is seeing a lot of new construction. This influx has been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, property values are on the rise, and out-of-state investments have increased. This has brought economic vitality, opportunities, and growth that otherwise would not have existed. On the other hand, these changes come with their own set of challenges, such as potential overdevelopment and loss of the area's intrinsic character.
It'll be interesting to see how much more Corridor H will transform those two mountain towns and Elkins, Parsons, Moorefield, and Wardensville, all of which are seeing a lot of new investment over the next decade.
Author
Topic: Corridor H (Read 547892 times)