Corridor H

[1995hoo]

There's also this just west of the Interstate 66/Interstate 81 interchange: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmeuse+Strasburg+Operation/@39.0149837,-78.3146122,3515m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b5becbad34e637:0x16bcab5fda588afd!8m2!3d39.0194816!4d-78.3297805!16s%2Fg%2F126460hfn?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D.

Looking at the map, it would seem to make more sense, to have the T directional interchange just to the E of the current I-81/US 48 interchange.   

The reason I said the ideal location, if it were possible, would be at the existing interchange with I-66 is because putting it there would eliminate the need for traffic connecting between I-66 and Corridor H to use four miles of I-81.

[Bitmapped]

Opening of the first part of the Kerens-Parsons segment has been delayed until late June 2026. https://archive.ph/L7aWg

[The_Ginger]

Opening of the first part of the Kerens-Parsons segment has been delayed until late June 2026. https://archive.ph/L7aWg

I heard. What a shame, as it would have been slightly possible for me to attend the ceremony on Memorial day, but it's unlikely I will in late June. Oh well... 

[The Ghostbuster]

After this segment opens, I wonder how soon a Google Car can travel it to add it to Street View.

[The_Ginger]

The wait is over!

New section of Corridor H to open Monday between Kerens and Parsons

State and local officials will gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Monday to celebrate the completion of the four-lane highway, designated as U.S. Route 48, which links Kerens in Randolph County to Parsons in Tucker County.

The ceremony will take place at the current end of U.S. 48 north of Elkins.

Following the official opening, drivers will gain immediate access to a continuous four-lane expressway stretching from Parsons all the way west to Interstate 79 at Weston.

It will take place at noon at the Kerens bridges. I should be there, so once it is over, I will get as many pictures as I can. I will also update OSM, Travel Mapping, upload the photos to Commons, etc.

[seicer]

Ribbon cutting for the 11-mile Karens to Parsons segment is today at noon.

[The_Ginger]

I have finally finished getting my photos of the next segment of Corridor H on Commons, so here's my observations and photos of this monumental highway segment!
Ceremony

This went wonderful, with speeches from Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh, Governor Morrisey, Shelly Moore Capito, and more. This took about an hour, and was very pleasant to listen to. The speeches were well-put together.



There were also updated overview maps posted for the highway.



Points of interest include Mr. Rumbaugh's remark about some "driving without stopping" from I-79 to Parsons. As it has been discussed here before, it is virtually impossible to drive from I-79 to Parsons without actually stopping. If the signals in Weston don't get you, another one will. Additionally, there was talk about potentially pulling back the opening date for the Parsons-Davis segment a few years back, which is good. Finally, the Go North-ers were there, holding signs during the ceremony and in the background of the media interviews in between the actual opening and the ceremony and ribbon-cutting.
The Highway Itself

—The new road is very smooth, and paved with asphaltic concrete rather than cement concrete. It makes for a smooth ride.



—There are a lot of bridges, at least seven. All of them seem to be fairly long spans, and surprisingly, only one has a memorial designation. I suspect this will soon change.


—The road is posted quite well, with US 48 shields everywhere. There appears to be no evidence of US 48 signs bagged up on US 219 yet (more on that later). The right turn arrow on the U.S. 48 shield approaching the U.S. 219 intersection was bagged up, though.

Once the road enters Monongahela National Forest, the road completely changes.
The guardrails are brown,


The sign backs are also brown,


And the signposts are wood, and that may be the only place in the entire state that is like that.


The high-mast lighting at the WV 72 interchange is also brown, and even the backs of the WV 72 BGSes are brown.

This coloration affects most of the signage, although it's not all like this.

—There seems to be no signage or bagged-up signage at the WV 72 intersection for US 48. I hope signs are soon installed, and I will be able to check on Thursday when I depart.
US 219 Connector
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:TheGinger68%E2%80%99s_US_219_Connector_photos

This link will take you to my photos of the U.S. 219 Connector because I've already been writing this post for 30 minutes... 
All photos I took are available here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:TheGinger68%E2%80%99s_US_48_Kerens-Parsons_segment_photos

What do you think about this new segment? The Cheat River bridge looks to have the concrete poured already, and the last part of this segment should open in June '28.

[Bitmapped]

Is the intersection at the bottom of the US 219 connector at Moore set up to make Parsons to the connector the straight movement, with traffic following the existing US 219 alignment having to turn? Especially if they're doing this, I don't know why they would keep US 219 on the old alignment between Moore and Kerens.

What percentage grade is signed on the US 219 connector?

The brown sign backs are a waste of money. WVDOH has done similar things in other places (like the Fairmont Gateway Connector) and then stuff looks screwy when individual signs get replaced with standard ones that don't have it.

Using wood signposts is similarly dumb because it's non-standard. I suspect you'll end up with a mish-mash of wood and metal over time as things get struck and replaced since the wood posts aren't a standard thing for the DOH sign crews to keep on stock.

The use of FHWA Series D for the US 219 shields is non-standard. WVDOH's sign fabrication standards are Series C for 3-digit routes.

The extensive use of constant-slope (Jersey) barriers in front of cuts is unusual for West Virginia.
At least it looks like they kept full width shoulders on the bridges instead of cheaping out with narrow shoulders like on other recent sections of Corridor H.

[The_Ginger]

Is the intersection at the bottom of the US 219 connector at Moore set up to make Parsons to the connector the straight movement, with traffic following the existing US 219 alignment having to turn? Especially if they're doing this, I don't know why they would keep US 219 on the old alignment between Moore and Kerens.

Yes, that is the case. I agree with you on the U.S. 219 alignment. There's already a fractional county route number for the stretch between Elkins and US 219, so just continue it!

What percentage grade is signed on the US 219 connector?

Nothing, or I would have taken a photo. It's also quite twisty.

The brown sign backs are a waste of money. WVDOH has done similar things in other places (like the Fairmont Gateway Connector) and then stuff looks screwy when individual signs get replaced with standard ones that don't have it.

Using wood signposts is similarly dumb because it's non-standard. I suspect you'll end up with a mish-mash of wood and metal over time as things get struck and replaced since the wood posts aren't a standard thing for the DOH sign crews to keep on stock.

So the wood posts and sign backs were purely design choice, and not for any National Forest-y reason other than to look cool?

The use of FHWA Series D for the US 219 shields is non-standard. WVDOH's sign fabrication standards are Series C for 3-digit routes.

The MUTCD does now specify that for 3-digit routes. I'd say that's where they got it from. Series D is also visible at the U.S. 522 Bypass and various US 119 shields across the state.

[Bitmapped]

Is the intersection at the bottom of the US 219 connector at Moore set up to make Parsons to the connector the straight movement, with traffic following the existing US 219 alignment having to turn? Especially if they're doing this, I don't know why they would keep US 219 on the old alignment between Moore and Kerens.

Yes, that is the case. I agree with you on the U.S. 219 alignment. There's already a fractional county route number for the stretch between Elkins and US 219, so just continue it!

The section does cross into Tucker County, so it would need a different number there. Part of me thinks they may have made the connector become the through route because of concerns about trucks not being able to stop at the bottom of the hill if it T-ed into US 219.

So the wood posts and sign backs were purely design choice, and not for any National Forest-y reason other than to look cool?

DOH used brown steel signposts on parts of Corridor H in Hardy County, but the use doesn't correspond with being within the bounds of George Washington National Forest. It's just a design choice AFAIK. The 4-lane "racetrack" section of US 33 east of Elkins recently got a signage replacement a couple years ago and it's all regular galvanized steel despite very much being in the bounds of Monongahela National Forest.

The use of FHWA Series D for the US 219 shields is non-standard. WVDOH's sign fabrication standards are Series C for 3-digit routes.

The MUTCD does now specify that for 3-digit routes. I'd say that's where they got it from. Series D is also visible at the U.S. 522 Bypass and various US 119 shields across the state.

I think this is an issue of contractor-installed vs DOH-installed signage. The DOH-made signage I see for 3-digit US routes, even US 119, still uses Series C. Signs installed by constractors as part of larger projects seem to be getting Series D, which works OK for 119 but not great for some of the other 3-digit routes.

If you look at the signage at the Bypass US 522/WV 9 ramps by Berkeley Springs, you'll see Series D 522 shields with misshapen Series C WV 9 shields, which should have been Series D.

[Dirt Roads]

^^^^
There was so much controversy over the design of this section of Corridor H that it wouldn't surprise me if the National Forest Service got their standards included into the project requirements.  The current standards require wooden breakaway signposts if the "sign is located within the clear zone" , which is defined as "the area that ideally would be clear of obstacles that might be a hazard to a vehicle that left the road."  I couldn't find a standard that requires Cor-Ten steel guardrails (weathering steel guardrails) with wooden posts, but there is a standard that requires the use of galvanized steel guardrails with wooden posts when used as a gate.

National Forest Service signage requirements
National Forest Service vehicle barriers design guidance

Note that other states have clear standards or guidance that requires/suggests the use of Cor-Ten (weathering steel) or brown-painted guardrails and posts in National Forests and other protected forest areas.  West Virginia has a state law passed in 1988 that requires wooden quardrail posts "unless use of another material would reduce the costs of such construction or reconstruction".  But I can't find any other related regulations, standards or guidance in the Mountain State that would govern this.

We just had a discussion of this in a related thread (or perhaps upthread).  Sorry to repeat again here.  In the original construction of Corridor E (then US-48, now I-68) Maryland DOT used the generally same approach through forested areas and much of that was not in National Forest or state forests and the like.  But the final stretch did go through Green Ridge State Forest and Billmyer WMA.  On the West Virginia side of Corridor E, the DOH used a similar approach in that short stretch through Coopers Rock State Forest and in the affected areas of former WV-73 and park entrance roads (Exit 15 and surroundings).  I'm pretty sure that both Maryland and West Virginia used Cor-Ten posts for both signage and guardrails on those original sections.  Much of it (if not all) has since been replaced with galvanized.

[Dirt Roads]

Once the road enters Monongahela National Forest, the road completely changes.

The sign backs are also brown,

Since I'm rambling here, it's worth noting that there is a tiny section of weathering steel guardrail between the "brown-back" sign and the US-48/cycleroute trailblazers.  It is hard to believe that any party to this would be so pedantic as to require "such a plumb short smidgen" of guardrail to be different the rest. 

[This pedantic comment should also be called out by someone].   

[Bitmapped]

^^^^
There was so much controversy over the design of this section of Corridor H that it wouldn't surprise me if the National Forest Service got their standards included into the project requirements.  The current standards require wooden breakaway signposts if the "sign is located within the clear zone" , which is defined as "the area that ideally would be clear of obstacles that might be a hazard to a vehicle that left the road."  I couldn't find a standard that requires Cor-Ten steel guardrails (weathering steel guardrails) with wooden posts, but there is a standard that requires the use of galvanized steel guardrails with wooden posts when used as a gate.

National Forest Service signage requirements

That guide pertains to roads that are maintained by the USFS, so that wouldn't apply to Corridor H although I wouldn't be shocked if someone at the consultant who got the design contract used it. I've seen other cases of consultants designing signals and signage to PennDOT specs instead of WVDOH specs in the past.

Note that other states have clear standards or guidance that requires/suggests the use of Cor-Ten (weathering steel) or brown-painted guardrails and posts in National Forests and other protected forest areas.  West Virginia has a state law passed in 1988 that requires wooden quardrail posts "unless use of another material would reduce the costs of such construction or reconstruction".  But I can't find any other related regulations, standards or guidance in the Mountain State that would govern this.

Steel guardrail posts are by far the most common in West Virginia. Wood posts are uncommon and mostly older installations. The only other recent new installs that spring to mind are on eastern parts of Corridor H, and those seem to be getting replaced with steel posts when they're damaged.

Once the road enters Monongahela National Forest, the road completely changes.

The sign backs are also brown,

Since I'm rambling here, it's worth noting that there is a tiny section of weathering steel guardrail between the "brown-back" sign and the US-48/cycleroute trailblazers.  It is hard to believe that any party to this would be so pedantic as to require "such a plumb short smidgen" of guardrail to be different the rest. 

This looks like a visual artifact of the one piece being curved. There is a side road to the right at the intersection. The rest of the runs look to be painted brown. I think the light is just reflecting differently off the one section.

[hbelkins]

So you're saying that at Kerens, US 48 and US 219 diverge? That's goofy.

[The Ghostbuster]

So now that the Kerens-to-Parsons segment has opened, we'll have to wait until 2031 for the Parsons-to-Davis segment to begin construction?

[Great Lakes Roads]

So now that the Kerens-to-Parsons segment has opened, we'll have to wait until 2031 for the Parsons-to-Davis segment to begin construction?

There's a segment east of Parsons that will open in 2028 that goes from the WV 72 interchange to US 219, bypassing Parsons to the north.

[Beltway]

So now that the Kerens-to-Parsons segment has opened, we'll have to wait until 2031 for the Parsons-to-Davis segment to begin construction?

The public hearing placard said begin constructioni in 2027 at $800 million for 9.2 miles.

[The_Ginger]

So you're saying that at Kerens, US 48 and US 219 diverge? That's goofy.

Yes. I will check during our departure how it's signed along WV 72.

[SP Cook]

I drove the route yesterday, to the end and then over to the other end.  Nothing much to add, great accomplishment.  Clearly the way to access DC for anyone passing through Charleston, at least for cars, trucks and RVs will still have problems.

Observations.

There is no signage telling where to go at the end, and it isn't clear unless you know. A 48 sign would be helpful.

They have not yet removed the 48 signs from the old road, nor the non MUTCD blue H trailblazers, which is confusing.  In Parsons it tells you westbound to turn the wrong way.

There is a blank space for a control city on some mileage signs, presumably Moorefield, leaving it blank is odd, the temporary route is still the way to Moorefield from that point.  Really Front Royal, VA should be the control city east of Elkins.  I would go with Weston (to 79 on westbound) Elkins- Front Royal, VA (to 81 66 eastbound).

How many take it North self appointeds were actually at the opening?  We give too much credence to 17 guys with signs.  The current design is fine.  A change would add a decade to the project, which is probably these people's goal in reality.

[The_Ginger]

How many take it North self appointeds were actually at the opening?  We give too much credence to 17 guys with signs.  The current design is fine.  A change would add a decade to the project, which is probably these people's goal in reality.

About 14 or so. They held up signs that mentioned "North for H" and something about clean drinking water. They mostly sat in the back, and stood right behind the interviewees during the television interviews. One had a face mask on, for some reason.

I do hope that the preferred alternative gets selected. There was talk about potentially shaving off a few years off of the completion date at the opening, and a re-route would throw all that out the window. The route will not "divide the towns" or anything like that.

[The_Ginger]

There is a blank space for a control city on some mileage signs, presumably Moorefield, leaving it blank is odd, the temporary route is still the way to Moorefield from that point.  Really Front Royal, VA should be the control city east of Elkins.  I would go with Weston (to 79 on westbound) Elkins- Front Royal, VA (to 81 66 eastbound).

It's not actually blank. There's a screwed-on green metal over the destination, which is odd as it is because usually the demountable copy would just come off. I assumed it was for Davis, and wouldn't be uncovered until the Parsons-Davis segment was finished.

Actually, the distance signs themselves were very sparing, with one sign only showing Parsons and the other being that greened out sign you mentioned. Usually they would be 3-line signs, and I suppose the Davis-Parsons segment is the reason for this.

[seicer]

Some observations:

• I don't know if the wood posts are part of a new standard for WVDOH, but it might be a suitable replacement for Corten or painted posts. They are crash worthy.
• The Corten guardrails that WVDOH used elsewhere on Corridor H have largely been replaced. Salt and other deicing agents accelerated their deterioration and they were replaced with conventional galvanized guardrails. I suspect that if it was done today, they would be replaced with painted guardrails.
• But... not all of the segments that have or had special guardrails, sign posts, and other treatments have been in the National Forest. It can be quite patchy with public/private landownership. I am guessing WVDOH is applying the special treatment in scenic areas that it determines.
• The routing around Thomas will drag on I suspect for another year or two. The preferred alignment is unfortunate but not the end of the world. It goes through an industrial heritage area with abandoned coking ovens and numerous underground and strip mines. The stream is highly impaired because of acid mine drainage that two passive treatment systems have not fully resolved. It's not a pristine area that supporters make it out to be, although it is closer to some waterfalls than I would like to see. I am more concerned about the underground mining impacts, though.

[Bitmapped]

VDOT studied their part of US 48/Corridor H last fall at the request of a state senator. They concluded that a couple spot safety improvements might be merited but that the corridor will remain at LOS C or better for decades, and LOS D or better after the year 2100. Report PDF is available.

[The Ghostbuster]

In other words, US 48/VA 55 will remain a two-lane highway forever. On the West Virginia side, will there still be a bypass of Wardensville constructed, even it isn't a four-lane highway east of the Virginia/West Virginia state line?

[Bitmapped]

In other words, US 48/VA 55 will remain a two-lane highway forever. On the West Virginia side, will there still be a bypass of Wardensville constructed, even it isn't a four-lane highway east of the Virginia/West Virginia state line?

WVDOH has construction for the Wardensville bypass going out for bid later this year. It will end at the state line, tying into the existing road. The new bypass's plans indicate a design exception is required because it doesn't meet the normal 6% max grade on the climb up to the state line.