Poor planning of Corridor H by the WVDOH has created traffic problems in Tucker County, WV. What should have been the first section of road constructed is being built almost last. This poor planning has flooded traffic through the small narrow one way streets of Thomas and on Route 32 that were not intended to take this volume.
I applaud the WVDOH for altering the plans around the Tucker County High School to save lives after the previous poorly planned on-grade intersection was redesigned. Now is the time for the WVDOH to commit to their plan for a pedestrian and bicycle trail between Thomas and Davis regardless of either the R-ROPA or BAA-2 routing of Corridor H. This trail needs to be built now before highway construction begins.
All pedestrians and cyclists using local recreational and major interstate trail routes are forced onto an increasingly busy Route 32 between Thomas and Davis. In 2024 the Tucker County Commission has passed a unanimous Resolution to support the WVDOH to build the separate bicycle and pedestrian facility between the towns. Hopefully the WVDOH will actually follow through with constructing this path, unlike their proposed trail from Davis to Bismarck which was never completed.
Unfortunately the WVDOH has not been working with local groups representing the trail community which are supporting the interests of trail users. Trails are the common factor in the outdoor recreation tourism industry, which is the main industry in Tucker County. I would recommend that the WVDOH involve groups like the Heart of the Highlands, Blackwater Bicycle Association, Chamber of Commerce and the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau in discussions regarding the planning and effects of highways on trails.
While trails are the main attraction supporting our number one industry, the quiet small town charm of Thomas and Davis are bringing in visitors and new residents to Tucker County. R-ROPA will destroy this ambiance by placing an interstate style highway right inside the Davis city limits and closely surrounding Thomas with a noisy high speed “truck bypass”.
BAA-2 would keep the 24 hour a day truck noise further away from both towns. With R-ROPA all traffic coming from Corridor H, Canaan Valley and Davis going to and from Thomas and Route 219 North will be forced into a two lane Route 32 choke point. Additionally under R-ROPA all northbound traffic will be forced to take on-grade left turns across the high speed “truck route” just to enter either end of Thomas.
BAA-2 would provide three exits (Davis, Thomas and Benbush) instead of one, distributing traffic more efficiently. BAA-2 would also reduce traffic on Route 32 between the towns particularly reducing the left turn traffic onto Route 93/48 from Thomas. This intersection has seen more than its share of traffic accidents since the construction of the Route 48 Davis to Bismarck section.
The problems created by the poorly planned R-ROPA and the high speed “truck route” in Thomas and on Route 32 should be obvious to any decent highway engineer. R-ROPA construction between the two towns and bypass construction closely surrounding Thomas will disrupt residents and visitors for many years. Please keep this noisy Route 48 east west truck route as far away from our towns and State Parks as possible.
You can’t solve your previous poor planning with more poor planning. I would like to see the BAA-2 route for Corridor H completed as soon as possible. I never want to see R-ROPA completed and will do all I can do to fight against any highway construction that will denigrate or destroy Tucker County’s attractions and quality of life.
Matt Marcus
PO Box 91
Davis, WV 26260