Westover sidewalk project postponed for U.S. 19 study

In Westover, a sidewalk project along Fairmont Road is delayed for at least a year. The delay is considered a trade-off for a bigger planning study aimed at improving the US 19 corridor through the city. The West Virginia Department of Transportation has received a $1,275,000 grant as part of the federal RAISE program. This funding will help assess what upgrades the corridor needs, which includes new sidewalks and better safety measures for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Safety risks along the corridor have been highlighted in the study. Local officials have prioritized these improvements. The Metropolitan Planning Organization has listed the corridor upgrades as a Tier 1 project, estimating costs at $13.3 million. Westover's Public Works Director, Jason Stinespring, explained that the state requested to delay the sidewalk grants. This will ensure that future work aligns with the findings of the corridor study. The city had combined different funding sources for the sidewalk project, including state grants. Stinespring noted that while some funds will be reserved for future use, a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant will be lost. However, he remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of the study, believing it will result in a more comprehensive upgrade for the area. Overall, while the delay is disappointing, it may lead to better results in the future.