This has been talked about for decades but sounds like it is finally getting traction (hopefully). Construction is one-third funded (with a Federal grant) and would start next year, with completion in 2022. It's definitely needed given the amount of traffic trying to cut from I-68/I-70 to I-81 in Virginia.
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/berkeley-springs-bypass-meeting-scheduled-for-thursday/article_ef239cf9-3575-51c7-9477-d37c116a0591.html
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 02, 2019, 04:48:03 PM
This has been talked about for decades but sounds like it is finally getting traction (hopefully). Construction is one-third funded (with a Federal grant) and would start next year, with completion in 2022. It's definitely needed given the amount of traffic trying to cut from I-68/I-70 to I-81 in Virginia.
Any mapping of alignment alternatives yet?
Quote from: Beltway on March 02, 2019, 05:11:47 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 02, 2019, 04:48:03 PM
This has been talked about for decades but sounds like it is finally getting traction (hopefully). Construction is one-third funded (with a Federal grant) and would start next year, with completion in 2022. It's definitely needed given the amount of traffic trying to cut from I-68/I-70 to I-81 in Virginia.
Any mapping of alignment alternatives yet?
I saw a map posted somewhere when news of WV's BUILD grant was first awarded. The route will run to the east of downtown Berkeley Springs, which is logical because there's a big honking mountain immediately west of downtown that WV 9 climbs/descends.
Finally. Now all that's needed is a parallel span across the Potomac/tracks/local streets. I wonder what would something like this cost about 4 or 5 years from now?
Quote from: Beltway on March 02, 2019, 05:11:47 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 02, 2019, 04:48:03 PM
This has been talked about for decades but sounds like it is finally getting traction (hopefully). Construction is one-third funded (with a Federal grant) and would start next year, with completion in 2022. It's definitely needed given the amount of traffic trying to cut from I-68/I-70 to I-81 in Virginia.
Any mapping of alignment alternatives yet?
(https://www.morganmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-17-at-4.02.11-PM.png)
https://www.morganmessenger.com/2018/12/06/berkeley-springs-bypass-gets-20-million-in-federal-funding/
The bypass would be a four-lane divided highway with at least 2 interchanges. The rest of the intersections will be at-grade, a design similar to other Corridor projects in West Virginia.
The project would cost an estimated $64 million total for 4 miles of new divided roadway (only about $16 million per mile?)
Quote from: Beltway on March 02, 2019, 05:11:47 PM
Quote from: MASTERNC on March 02, 2019, 04:48:03 PM
This has been talked about for decades but sounds like it is finally getting traction (hopefully). Construction is one-third funded (with a Federal grant) and would start next year, with completion in 2022. It's definitely needed given the amount of traffic trying to cut from I-68/I-70 to I-81 in Virginia.
Any mapping of alignment alternatives yet?
http://transportation.wv.gov/highways/engineering/comment/BerkeleySpringsBypass/Pages/default.aspx
They'd completed the NEPA process with an approved bypass alignment 15-20ish years ago...I recall this from the time. Looks like they're currently going through NEPA reevaluation.
Worth noting that, since last year (the time of the map sprjus posted), the endpoints have been changed to either T-intersection or roundabout options, the 2nd intersection south of WV 9 has been eliminated, and the ramps at CR 13 (near the south end) have been deferred to the future.
Quote from: froggie on March 02, 2019, 10:03:06 PM
Worth noting that, since last year (the time of the map sprjus posted), the endpoints have been changed to either T-intersection or roundabout options
I think this is a mistake in the long run. The only reason it was done is because locals were afraid if you were directed on the bypass, business would be lost in town. IMHO, any bypass should have continuity, and not require you to turn onto it. For a long distance traveler, this is extremely beneficial. If US 501 is ever widened in the future to 4 lanes, directing 4-lane highway traffic onto a 4-lane bypass as opposed to, turn right to stay on a 65 MPH four-lane highway, or go straight (the expected movement for thru traffic) to continue into a 2-lane 25 MPH road through town.
Bottom line, if someone wants to do business in town, they'll go into town. If they just want to get through, they're not going to stop. Projects like these need local input, but a design change in this manner should not be done just because of local opposition that don't have a care for keeping the flow of thru-traffic going.
Quote from: sprjus4 on March 02, 2019, 10:23:31 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 02, 2019, 10:03:06 PM
Worth noting that, since last year (the time of the map sprjus posted), the endpoints have been changed to either T-intersection or roundabout options
I think this is a mistake in the long run. The only reason it was done is because locals were afraid if you were directed on the bypass, business would be lost in town. IMHO, any bypass should have continuity, and not require you to turn onto it. For a long distance traveler, this is extremely beneficial. If US 501 is ever widened in the future to 4 lanes, directing 4-lane highway traffic onto a 4-lane bypass as opposed to, turn right to stay on a 65 MPH four-lane highway, or go straight (the expected movement for thru traffic) to continue into a 2-lane 25 MPH road through town.
Bottom line, if someone wants to do business in town, they'll go into town. If they just want to get through, they're not going to stop. Projects like these need local input, but a design change in this manner should not be done just because of local opposition that don't have a care for keeping the flow of thru-traffic going.
Frankly, I think most of the businesses in Berkeley Springs would be perfectly happy to have through traffic bypass town. US 522 traffic chokes the town and makes it hard for people who actually want to go there to do so during warmer weather months.
I suspect a lot of the change is WVDOH trying to cheap out and not wanting to realign the roadway when they do eventually intend to relocate the rest of US 522 on a new alignment.
Quote from: Bitmapped on March 03, 2019, 12:17:58 PM
I suspect a lot of the change is WVDOH trying to cheap out and not wanting to realign the roadway when they do eventually intend to relocate the rest of US 522 on a new alignment.
Well, if a four-lane widening for the rest of US 522 would be relocated rather than widening the existing road, then by all means, the existing design would work for the time being, IF the bypass would be extended in the future.
Quote from: sprjus4 on March 03, 2019, 12:42:23 PM
Quote from: Bitmapped on March 03, 2019, 12:17:58 PM
I suspect a lot of the change is WVDOH trying to cheap out and not wanting to realign the roadway when they do eventually intend to relocate the rest of US 522 on a new alignment.
Well, if a four-lane widening for the rest of US 522 would be relocated rather than widening the existing road, then by all means, the existing design would work for the time being, IF the bypass would be extended in the future.
If they go that route, I would like to recommend them to leave some nice paved stubs, just like PA and its freeways.
http://transportation.wv.gov/highways/engineering/comment/BerkeleySpringsBypass/Documents/handout.pdf
Looking at the link froggie posted previously, I realized the first page does indicate...
Quote
The US 522 project consists of a four-lane roadway on a new alignment from the Virginia/West Virginia state line to the Maryland state line for a distance of approximately 19 miles. The Berkeley Springs Bypass portion of the US 522 project will be the first segment to be constructed.
(https://www.morganmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/us522segments_fig_11x17-1024x662.jpg)
Completion of a 19 mile relocation in West Virginia would result in a mostly 4-lane corridor (with the exception of Maryland's 1 mile section) between I-81 and I-70 / I-68 in Maryland. It'd be interesting to see a bi-state buildout, with Maryland widening their portion into a 4-lane freeway (which would be a complicated build due to the existing footprint), building a new 4-lane Potomac River Bridge, and completely rebuilding the interchange with I-70 / I-68.
Quote from: sprjus4 on March 03, 2019, 01:19:58 PM
http://transportation.wv.gov/highways/engineering/comment/BerkeleySpringsBypass/Documents/handout.pdf
Looking at the link froggie posted previously, I realized the first page does indicate...
Quote
The US 522 project consists of a four-lane roadway on a new alignment from the Virginia/West Virginia state line to the Maryland state line for a distance of approximately 19 miles. The Berkeley Springs Bypass portion of the US 522 project will be the first segment to be constructed.
Completion of a 19 mile relocation in West Virginia would result in a mostly 4-lane corridor (with the exception of Maryland's 1 mile section) between I-81 and I-70 / I-68 in Maryland. It'd be interesting to see a bi-state buildout, with Maryland widening their portion into a 4-lane freeway (which would be a complicated build due to the existing footprint), building a new 4-lane Potomac River Bridge, and completely rebuilding the interchange with I-70 / I-68.
Maryland would probably have to widen in-line since there is little room to go on a new alignment, but there appears to be enough to do it with a few driveway closures/relocations and maybe acquiring 1-2 properties. It's already 4 lanes approaching I-70, though those are auxiliary lanes. In that regard, I don't see an immediate need to rebuild the I-70 interchange. Yes, it's suboptimal, but it's fully directional at least.
That's very interesting.
QuoteBERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. - The proposed U.S. 522 bypass project around Berkeley Springs, West Virginia is raising concerns for residents nearby, who say the project will cause safety and accessibility issues on a well-traveled road.
Longtime residents Chris Haldeman and Andrea LaRue are just a few who take the north end of Sugar Hollow Road in Berkeley Springs, as it is closer to 522 than the south end, a steep stretch of road.
"When I purchased the place, I planned to live here forever,' said Morgan County resident Chris Haldeman, who lives nearby on Dark Hollow. "I wouldn't have bought it with that type of access, because it isn't safe."
They say the current bypass design creates issues that didn't exist before.
"When the bypass goes through... it is going to fill in this valley, so we will no longer be able to use this end of Sugar Hollow Road. We'll be forced out the other end," said LaRue. "The issue with that is just past here, the road becomes extremely steep."
As a Morgan County school substitute bus driver, Haldeman's concern is the safety of the students.
"The proposed route is going to force us to take our vehicles up and down there every day, regardless of whether because it will be our only option in and out," said Haldeman.
They are not against the project, but hope that the West Virginia Department of Transportation officials would consider alternate routes that would not affect their livelihoods. They say they've attended public meetings, and received response from local politicians, but more still needs to be done.
"We've had limited response back, and that's the frustrating part. Let us know what's going on," said Haldeman.
We reached out to the West Virginia Department of Transportation for comment, but have not heard back.
https://www.localdvm.com/news/west-virginia/residents-raise-concerns-over-proposed-route-522-bypass-project/1939325806
From first hand experience, a Berkeley Springs bypass is needed as there are A LOT of 18 wheelers running right through downtown Berkeley Springs. As Winchester keeps growing, it will only get busier as it is the quickest way from northwest Virginia to points such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.
Quote from: ftballfan on June 16, 2019, 11:06:14 PM
From first hand experience, a Berkeley Springs bypass is needed as there are A LOT of 18 wheelers running right through downtown Berkeley Springs. As Winchester keeps growing, it will only get busier as it is the quickest way from northwest Virginia to points such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.
Perhaps a cheaper way than relocating US-522 for 20+ miles as West Virginia is currently proposing, they should instead build a 7 mile freeway between I-70 and I-81, in partnership with Maryland. Currently, it's 65 miles to take I-81 to I-70 between Winchester and I-68, or a smaller 45 miles of US-522. Therefore, more truck traffic uses US-522 because it's shorter. If you built a connector though between I-81 and I-70, it would reduce the distance from 65 miles to 46 miles on the interstate route. That would easily remove all the traffic from US-522, and only require 7 miles of new construction, not 20+. Plus, you get a 70 mph interstate corridor as opposed to a 55-65 mph four-lane divided highway.
Just a thought.
(https://i.ibb.co/w7yMK0L/I70-I81-Connector.png)
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 17, 2019, 06:16:17 AM
Perhaps a cheaper way than relocating US-522 for 20+ miles as West Virginia is currently proposing, they should instead build a 7 mile freeway between I-70 and I-81, in partnership with Maryland. Currently, it's 65 miles to take I-81 to I-70 between Winchester and I-68, or a smaller 45 miles of US-522. Therefore, more truck traffic uses US-522 because it's shorter. If you built a connector though between I-81 and I-70, it would reduce the distance from 65 miles to 46 miles on the interstate route. That would easily remove all the traffic from US-522, and only require 7 miles of new construction, not 20+. Plus, you get a 70 mph interstate corridor as opposed to a 55-65 mph four-lane divided highway.
Why would they need to relocate more than 7 or 8 miles of US-522 in West Virginia? Dualize the rest. I also suspect that there is more local traffic on US-522 than we might realize. Accessing Berkeley Springs from the south is considerably less distance on the current route.
That alignment connecting I-81 and I-70 would entail crossing the Potomac River valley and building a bridge over the river. Environmental opposition and permitting difficulty could be a major obstacle.
Quote from: Beltway on June 17, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
Why would they need to relocate more than 7 or 8 miles of US-522 in West Virginia? Dualize the rest. I also suspect that there is more local traffic on US-522 than we might realize. Accessing Berkeley Springs from the south is considerably less distance on the current route.
The concept I posted above from West Virginia was to relocate about 20 miles of the roadway, and dualize a little portion entering Virginia. It may be cheaper to dualize most of it, but I suppose their standpoint is creating a limited-access type highway instead of a dual-lane. West Virginia is more strict on access management standards than Virginia, who mostly dualizes
(which isn't a bad thing, it's just the differences between the state's standards) and I suppose relocating it would achieve limited-access better. You could also do this with dualizing the road, but then you'd need to construct frontage roads, etc. which may rack up the cost.
Most of the US-522 corridor through West Virginia also has more dense development along it which could be another reason.
Quote from: Beltway on June 17, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
That alignment connecting I-81 and I-70 would entail crossing the Potomac River valley and building a bridge over the river. Environmental opposition and permitting difficulty could be a major obstacle.
If the goal is to achieve a 4-lane US-522 to I-70, you'd still have to build a new bridge over the Potomac River, and expand the 2-lane US-522 heading to I-70 in Maryland, which is a condensed path, to 4-lanes involving another bridge being built over the Little Tonoloway Creek. You still have environmental impacts either way, but I suppose less.
Relocating US-522 works to, the I-81 / I-70 connector was just another concept that would primarily benefit thru traffic.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 17, 2019, 07:49:16 AM
The concept I posted above from West Virginia was to relocate about 20 miles of the roadway, and dualize a little portion entering Virginia. It may be cheaper to dualize most of it, but I suppose their standpoint is creating a limited-access type highway instead of a dual-lane. West Virginia is more strict on access management standards than Virginia, who mostly dualizes (which isn't a bad thing, it's just the differences between the state's standards) and I suppose relocating it would achieve limited-access better. You could also do this with dualizing the road, but then you'd need to construct frontage roads, etc. which may rack up the cost. Most of the US-522 corridor through West Virginia also has more dense development along it which could be another reason.
The rural sections of US-522 have a mostly straight alignment and with ample space for dualization. The point is that they don't -have- to relocate except for the bypass of Berkeley Springs.
Quote from: sprjus4 on June 17, 2019, 07:49:16 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 17, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
That alignment connecting I-81 and I-70 would entail crossing the Potomac River valley and building a bridge over the river. Environmental opposition and permitting difficulty could be a major obstacle.
If the goal is to achieve a 4-lane US-522 to I-70, you'd still have to build a new bridge over the Potomac River, and expand the 2-lane US-522 heading to I-70 in Maryland, which is a condensed path, to 4-lanes involving another bridge being built over the Little Tonoloway Creek. You still have environmental impacts either way, but I suppose less.
Major difference from 4-laning the existing crossing as compared to building a virgin alignment across a river valley.
Bypass comments favored two lanes rather than four (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2019/08/28/bypass-comments-favored-two-lanes-rather-than-four/)
QuoteThe majority of the 35 public comments on the proposed U.S. 522 Berkeley Springs Bypass want the bypass to be reduced to two lanes instead of the four lanes as it is now designed.
The comments are from the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways (DOH) workshop meeting on February 28 at Berkeley Springs High School.
In addition to the requests for a two-lane bypass, the majority wrote that they want the speed limit to be 55 mph instead of 65.
While many people said they were against any bypass at the February meeting, seven of the comments received do not want a bypass and five said they wanted the route to be adjusted.
The collection of public comments were received on August 21 through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request sent by The Morgan Messenger on July 16 to the DOH. The comment period from the February meeting ended on April 1 and several requests to receive the comments were made by this newspaper but not fulfilled until the FOIA request was submitted.
The bypass entrances at the southern and northern ends were redesigned based on the community comments from last year's meeting to allow traffic to continue on U.S. 522 straight into town.
At the February workshop meeting, the intersection at the southern end connection was shown as a roundabout that would allow the entrance onto the bypass on the east side of U.S. 522.
A roundabout on the northern end was shown connecting to the bypass. A Fairview Connector exit was depicted, going to Fairview Drive and War Memorial Hospital.
A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street. A roundabout is designed to accommodate all vehicles, including truck and trailer combinations.
DOH traffic engineer Ken Clohan said at the workshop meeting that the intersection design on the map shows a roundabout, but it could be a traffic stop sign instead. He said studies show a roundabout is safer and there "are less severe crashes."
Five people commented they would prefer a bypass that included a stoplight and not a roundabout, and four people preferred a bypass with a roundabout.
The final intersection design will be based on right-of-way and environmental impacts and the costs associated with the current and future four-lane construction projects, the DOH had said.
An at-grade intersection at Myers Road that was in the original design has been eliminated. Construction of ramps for the Winchester Grade Interchange will be delayed for future construction, the DOH had said.
The project description proposes to construct the Berkeley Springs Bypass and the Fairview Connector. The project begins south of Winchester Grade Road and ends north of town near Sandmine Road, including a connector from U.S. 522 to Fairview Drive (near War Memorial Hospital) for a distance of about four miles. The estimated cost of the project is $64 million.
The currently proposed bypass will be a four-lane, controlled access expressway with a grassed median and a design speed of 65 mph, according to the DOH.
According to the DOH timeline, the environmental impact study should be finished by mid-2019, right-of-way activities by the end of 2019, construction in late 2020 and in early 2021.
Quote from: sprjus4 on August 28, 2019, 01:01:48 PM
Bypass comments favored two lanes rather than four (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2019/08/28/bypass-comments-favored-two-lanes-rather-than-four/)
QuoteThe majority of the 35 public comments on the proposed U.S. 522 Berkeley Springs Bypass want the bypass to be reduced to two lanes instead of the four lanes as it is now designed.
The comments are from the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways (DOH) workshop meeting on February 28 at Berkeley Springs High School.
In addition to the requests for a two-lane bypass, the majority wrote that they want the speed limit to be 55 mph instead of 65.
While many people said they were against any bypass at the February meeting, seven of the comments received do not want a bypass and five said they wanted the route to be adjusted.
The collection of public comments were received on August 21 through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request sent by The Morgan Messenger on July 16 to the DOH. The comment period from the February meeting ended on April 1 and several requests to receive the comments were made by this newspaper but not fulfilled until the FOIA request was submitted.
The bypass entrances at the southern and northern ends were redesigned based on the community comments from last year's meeting to allow traffic to continue on U.S. 522 straight into town.
At the February workshop meeting, the intersection at the southern end connection was shown as a roundabout that would allow the entrance onto the bypass on the east side of U.S. 522.
A roundabout on the northern end was shown connecting to the bypass. A Fairview Connector exit was depicted, going to Fairview Drive and War Memorial Hospital.
A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street. A roundabout is designed to accommodate all vehicles, including truck and trailer combinations.
DOH traffic engineer Ken Clohan said at the workshop meeting that the intersection design on the map shows a roundabout, but it could be a traffic stop sign instead. He said studies show a roundabout is safer and there "are less severe crashes."
Five people commented they would prefer a bypass that included a stoplight and not a roundabout, and four people preferred a bypass with a roundabout.
The final intersection design will be based on right-of-way and environmental impacts and the costs associated with the current and future four-lane construction projects, the DOH had said.
An at-grade intersection at Myers Road that was in the original design has been eliminated. Construction of ramps for the Winchester Grade Interchange will be delayed for future construction, the DOH had said.
The project description proposes to construct the Berkeley Springs Bypass and the Fairview Connector. The project begins south of Winchester Grade Road and ends north of town near Sandmine Road, including a connector from U.S. 522 to Fairview Drive (near War Memorial Hospital) for a distance of about four miles. The estimated cost of the project is $64 million.
The currently proposed bypass will be a four-lane, controlled access expressway with a grassed median and a design speed of 65 mph, according to the DOH.
According to the DOH timeline, the environmental impact study should be finished by mid-2019, right-of-way activities by the end of 2019, construction in late 2020 and in early 2021.
The corridor should be built as 4 lanes to provide passing opportunities and for eventual continuity with Virginia. As a controlled access freeway, 65mph is the appropriate speed limit.
I submitted public comment to DOH suggesting they defer the Winchester Grade interchange construction and eliminate the at-grade intersection, so I'm glad to see that is happening. I do not like how old US 522 will continue to be the through route. The point of the bypass is to divert traffic around town. That works a lot better when that's the straight-through connection rather than making traffic turn on and off the bypass.
Quote from: Bitmapped on August 30, 2019, 08:36:25 AM
The corridor should be built as 4 lanes to provide passing opportunities and for eventual continuity with Virginia. As a controlled access freeway, 65mph is the appropriate speed limit.
I submitted public comment to DOH suggesting they defer the Winchester Grade interchange construction and eliminate the at-grade intersection, so I'm glad to see that is happening. I do not like how old US 522 will continue to be the through route. The point of the bypass is to divert traffic around town. That works a lot better when that's the straight-through connection rather than making traffic turn on and off the bypass.
If that compromise is what it takes to get the bypass built properly (limited access, at least a 4-lane ROW even if they only build 2 lanes to start), I'll take it over the alternative of an at-grade bypass that can't be expanded, even if the tie-in is direct. Look at it this way, upgrading the corridor will require new alignment to be built at either end anyway.
Quote from: Bitmapped on August 30, 2019, 08:36:25 AM
I do not like how old US 522 will continue to be the through route. The point of the bypass is to divert traffic around town. That works a lot better when that's the straight-through connection rather than making traffic turn on and off the bypass.
It would only be temporary. In the long-term goal, US-522 is to be relocated fully through West Virginia, so where it will temporarily do a 90 degree turn to connect back to existing US-522, it would continue straight from there without turning in the future.
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 01, 2019, 06:53:33 AM
Quote from: Bitmapped on August 30, 2019, 08:36:25 AM
I do not like how old US 522 will continue to be the through route. The point of the bypass is to divert traffic around town. That works a lot better when that's the straight-through connection rather than making traffic turn on and off the bypass.
It would only be temporary. In the long-term goal, US-522 is to be relocated fully through West Virginia, so where it will temporarily do a 90 degree turn to connect back to existing US-522, it would continue straight from there without turning in the future.
It could be (and likely will be) decades before anything further is built given WV's priorities. The alignment tie-ins could be curved now to promote use of the bypass as part of the through corridor.
For people who follow the signs (the marked route), it's most likely that the old route through downtown will get a county route number, quite possibly a fraction. So people will likely stay on 522 no matter how it turns.
At this past weekend's road meet, we all got a good look at the progress of the US-522 bypass around Berkeley Springs, WV. The overpasses/underpasses appear to be complete, and most if not all of the roadway has been paved. No striping yet (could just be the first asphalt layer), and signage has yet to make an appearance.
But here is my question, as there seems to be very little online about this project.
When is the northern end of the bypass going to be constructed? While the southern tie-in to mainline 522 was nearly complete (it's with a larger roundabout, BTW), there was no evidence(*) of construction for a connection at the other end of town. Aerial photos show the new road grade coming to an abrupt end a few hundred yards north of the Fairfax St. overpass, with no parallel roadway nearby to continue on. That means when the bypass section under construction is completed, which appears to be soon, motorists can only take it as far as the interchange with Route 9. You would then have to turn left and go almost a mile to re-join 522, a move which would defeat the purpose of taking the bypass in the first place. (To be fair, it would benefit those heading east on 9.)
Additionally, they could leave the Fairview Rd. detour in place as an at-grade intersection (Fairfax St. has no interchange), so one could take that and Route 2/Independence St. to meet 522 further north than Route 9. But that would only send traffic through a residential neighborhood.
Anyone know for sure what the plan is?
(*) There was a temporary orange "Blasting Zone" warning sign posted in each direction, north of town. Not sure, though, if that was for bypass construction, or if there are just some routine blasting operations going on at the sand quarry.
I speculate that based on the outward taper of the pavement at Fairfax, there's going to be right turn lanes coming off the new road allowing a pair of right in/right out intersections with the through minor movement being the new bridge. The pavement in the median here would then be removed allowing a continuous drainage swale.
(https://i.imgur.com/rQhCcVa.jpeg)
This article may be behind a paywall, but it seems clear to me that through trucks will be directed to stay on US 522 through Berkeley Springs until the bypass is fully complete. (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2024/05/14/state-could-ask-truckers-to-use-existing-u-s-522-even-after-first-section-of-bypass-opens/)
A secondary question on my end is whether WVDOH will give the open bypass a temporary WV Route designation like we have with WV 108 on the King Coal Hwy from US 52/US 460 to WV 123 in Bluefield.
cars will be able to use Fairview away from downtown and meet back up with US 522 at the Potomac River. Google says the time is the same.
Does any image of the full bypass plan still exist? It looks like WVDOT took down their project information page.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on August 19, 2024, 07:22:27 AMI speculate that based on the outward taper of the pavement at Fairfax, there's going to be right turn lanes coming off the new road allowing a pair of right in/right out intersections with the through minor movement being the new bridge. The pavement in the median here would then be removed allowing a continuous drainage swale.
There's precedent for having such a junction and leaving the space in the media. See NY 15A and Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0954897,-77.6124851,230m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu). The fact that Fairview Drive has its own name (and maybe it's own number?) certainly suggests to me that something like that might happen here, especially since the same dynamic my example has with Clay Road exists with Fairfax Street.
Quote from: Mapmikey on August 19, 2024, 08:35:06 AMcars will be able to use Fairview away from downtown and meet back up with US 522 at the Potomac River. Google says the time is the same.
How can Google say anything about the time when the road isn't on Google Maps?
Quote from: vdeane on August 19, 2024, 03:00:14 PMHow can Google say anything about the time when the road isn't on Google Maps?
I have my ways...
google.com/maps/dir/39.6262245,-78.2118361/39.6907131,-78.1860465/@39.6592273,-78.238221,13505m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0?entry=ttu
Quote from: lepidopteran on August 18, 2024, 11:54:48 PMBut here is my question, as there seems to be very little online about this project.
When is the northern end of the bypass going to be constructed? While the southern tie-in to mainline 522 was nearly complete (it's with a larger roundabout, BTW), there was no evidence(*) of construction for a connection at the other end of town.
(*) There was a temporary orange "Blasting Zone" warning sign posted in each direction, north of town. Not sure, though, if that was for bypass construction, or if there are just some routine blasting operations going on at the sand quarry.
The design-build contract was awarded in late 2022. See At this past weekend's road meet, we all got a good look at the progress of the US-522 bypass around Berkeley Springs, WV. The overpasses/underpasses appear to be complete, and most if not all of the roadway has been paved. No striping yet (could just be the first asphalt layer), and signage has yet to
Quote from: lepidopteran on August 18, 2024, 11:54:48 PMAt this past weekend's road meet, we all got a good look at the progress of the US-522 bypass around Berkeley Springs, WV. The overpasses/underpasses appear to be complete, and most if not all of the roadway has been paved. No striping yet (could just be the first asphalt layer), and signage has yet to make an appearance.
But here is my question, as there seems to be very little online about this project.
When is the northern end of the bypass going to be constructed? While the southern tie-in to mainline 522 was nearly complete (it's with a larger roundabout, BTW), there was no evidence(*) of construction for a connection at the other end of town. Aerial photos show the new road grade coming to an abrupt end a few hundred yards north of the Fairfax St. overpass, with no parallel roadway nearby to continue on. That means when the bypass section under construction is completed, which appears to be soon, motorists can only take it as far as the interchange with Route 9. You would then have to turn left and go almost a mile to re-join 522, a move which would defeat the purpose of taking the bypass in the first place. (To be fair, it would benefit those heading east on 9.)
Additionally, they could leave the Fairview Rd. detour in place as an at-grade intersection (Fairfax St. has no interchange), so one could take that and Route 2/Independence St. to meet 522 further north than Route 9. But that would only send traffic through a residential neighborhood.
Anyone know for sure what the plan is?
(*) There was a temporary orange "Blasting Zone" warning sign posted in each direction, north of town. Not sure, though, if that was for bypass construction, or if there are just some routine blasting operations going on at the sand quarry.
This article provides additional information beyond the WVDOT press release, specifically stating that it is a design-build contract.
https://www.morganmessenger.com/2023/01/04/state-awards-35-million-contract-for-northern-end-of-bypass/
Quote from: Mr. Matté on August 19, 2024, 07:22:27 AMI speculate that based on the outward taper of the pavement at Fairfax, there's going to be right turn lanes coming off the new road allowing a pair of right in/right out intersections with the through minor movement being the new bridge. The pavement in the median here would then be removed allowing a continuous drainage swale.
(https://i.imgur.com/rQhCcVa.jpeg)
I'm pretty sure this is going to be RIRO. WVDOH uses the same configuration at some locations on the Charles Town bypass. Although not originally planned as such, the River Hill Road intersection on the US 50 Parkersburg bypass was converted to a similar RIRO a couple years after the bypass opened.
Quote from: Mapmikey on August 19, 2024, 03:45:37 PMQuote from: vdeane on August 19, 2024, 03:00:14 PMHow can Google say anything about the time when the road isn't on Google Maps?
I have my ways...
google.com/maps/dir/39.6262245,-78.2118361/39.6907131,-78.1860465/@39.6592273,-78.238221,13505m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0?entry=ttu
Oh, I thought you were saying that the time to use the bypass and connect back to 522 was the same as just staying on 522.
Drove through Berkeley Springs today. The new road is being posted as US 522 Bypass.
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 29, 2024, 01:36:47 PMDrove through Berkeley Springs today. The new road is being posted as US 522 Bypass.
WVDOH also did the same thing in Beckley with US 19, which I was hoping was going to be a one-off. I guess not.
Saw this after
@vdeane's post in the Bannered Routes that do not Make Sense thread
522 Bypass could open this month; northern connector to open in 2027 (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2024/11/12/522-bypass-could-open-this-month-northern-connector-to-open-in-2027/)
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 27, 2024, 08:35:09 PMSaw this after @vdeane's post in the Bannered Routes that do not Make Sense thread
522 Bypass could open this month; northern connector to open in 2027 (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2024/11/12/522-bypass-could-open-this-month-northern-connector-to-open-in-2027/)
The article has a photo with a Speed Limit 60 sign. This is on the low side for new 4-lane construction in WV, which normally gets 65mph.
Quote from: Bitmapped on November 28, 2024, 08:56:38 AMQuote from: 74/171FAN on November 27, 2024, 08:35:09 PMSaw this after @vdeane's post in the Bannered Routes that do not Make Sense thread
522 Bypass could open this month; northern connector to open in 2027 (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2024/11/12/522-bypass-could-open-this-month-northern-connector-to-open-in-2027/)
The article has a photo with a Speed Limit 60 sign. This is on the low side for new 4-lane construction in WV, which normally gets 65mph.
I'm guessing it's due to the short length of the route. I imagine they would raise all of it to 65 mph once more segments of US-522 are four-laned, beyond just the remainder of the bypass yet to be opened.
Article is probably paywalled, but I at least got to view it.
Bypass opening delayed by guardrail redesign (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2025/03/18/bypass-opening-delayed-by-guardrail-redesign/)
QuoteThe four-lane, 3.4-mile section of the U.S. 522 Bypass won't open to vehicle traffic until May, predict West Virginia state officials.
Division of Highways officials told a gathering of business leaders at last month's Chamber of Commerce lunch that a misalignment of guardrails with overpass wing walls need to be reconfigured and repaved before the bypass can open. That will be done on the portion of the bypass which crosses above Martinsburg Road. During construction of that overpass, the original wing walls showed signs of non-structural cracking and were torn down, with new walls built in their place.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 20, 2025, 07:27:29 PMArticle is probably paywalled, but I at least got to view it.
Bypass opening delayed by guardrail redesign (https://www.morganmessenger.com/2025/03/18/bypass-opening-delayed-by-guardrail-redesign/)
QuoteThe four-lane, 3.4-mile section of the U.S. 522 Bypass won't open to vehicle traffic until May, predict West Virginia state officials.
Division of Highways officials told a gathering of business leaders at last month's Chamber of Commerce lunch that a misalignment of guardrails with overpass wing walls need to be reconfigured and repaved before the bypass can open. That will be done on the portion of the bypass which crosses above Martinsburg Road. During construction of that overpass, the original wing walls showed signs of non-structural cracking and were torn down, with new walls built in their place.
If the problem is just at Martinsburg Road (WV 9), I'm not sure why they don't open the part of the bypass from WV 9 to the southern end. Honestly, that's probably the only part of the bypass that makes sense to open at all, at least northbound, until the northern half is built.
Drove through Berkeley Springs yesterday...bypass is still not open.
Could it be...?
https://www.wboy.com/road-patrol/wvdoh-to-open-part-of-berkeley-springs-bypass-this-week/ (https://www.wboy.com/road-patrol/wvdoh-to-open-part-of-berkeley-springs-bypass-this-week/)
WVDOH set to open southern section of Berkeley Springs Bypass (https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/WVDOH_set_to_open_southern_section_of_Berkeley_Springs_Bypass.aspx)
6/25/2025
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) will open the 3.4-mile southern section of the four-lane US 522 Berkeley Springs Bypass in Morgan County by noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
State and local officials had long been concerned about heavy truck traffic on US 522 through the community of Berkeley Springs. About 30 percent of the approximately 13,400 vehicles that use US 522 every day are trucks.
"The opening of the southern corridor of the Berkeley Springs Bypass marks a significant milestone in improving safety and mobility for residents and travelers in the region," said Transportation Secretary Stephen T. Rumbaugh, P.E. "This new segment provides a more efficient route for traffic. When completed, the bypass will provide for a more efficient route for commercial trucks, helping to ease longstanding congestion in the town of Berkeley Springs."
In October 2020, Trumbull Corporation was awarded a contract for $59.8 million to build the lower leg of a bypass around Berkeley Springs, beginning south of Winchester Grade Road and extending north of Martinsburg Road. The project included construction of several bridges, three new at-grade intersections, and a new interchange with existing WV 9 and Martinsburg Road.
"We are proud to deliver this critical infrastructure project as part of our ongoing commitment to modernizing West Virginia's roadways, promoting safety, and supporting our communities," Rumbaugh said.
In December 2022, A.L.L. Construction Inc. was awarded a contract for $35 million to complete the northern leg of the bypass to connect the southern section back onto US 522 north of Berkeley Springs. That project also includes construction of two bridges and a connector road to War Memorial Hospital.
"The northern corridor of the Berkeley Springs Bypass remains under active development," Rumbaugh said. "Design work is advancing, and right-of-way acquisition is ongoing to prepare for future construction.
"We remain committed to moving this project forward and securing the resources necessary to complete the full bypass for the people of Morgan County," Rumbaugh said.
The northern section of the bypass is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
Quote from: seicer on June 25, 2025, 10:16:11 AMThe northern section of the bypass is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
Will the two segments provide a US-522 bypass of the whole city?
Quote from: Beltway on June 25, 2025, 02:33:38 PMQuote from: seicer on June 25, 2025, 10:16:11 AMThe northern section of the bypass is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
Will the two segments provide a US-522 bypass of the whole city?
Yes, although traffic will have to specifically choose to turn onto the bypass. Mainline US 522 through downtown Berkeley Springs will be the straight-through routing.
Quote from: Bitmapped on June 25, 2025, 10:01:53 PMQuote from: Beltway on June 25, 2025, 02:33:38 PMQuote from: seicer on June 25, 2025, 10:16:11 AMThe northern section of the bypass is expected to open to traffic in 2027.
Will the two segments provide a US-522 bypass of the whole city?
Yes, although traffic will have to specifically choose to turn onto the bypass. Mainline US 522 through downtown Berkeley Springs will be the straight-through routing.
Respectfully, the south end is a roundabout, so one has to specifically choose no matter what path they wish to take...