November 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County Planning Commission, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Ken Musgrave-Mineral County, Dave Beard-Garrett County Commission, Brian Car – WVDOH Charleston, Donald Cookman-Hampshire County Commission, Law Spangler-Hampshire County Planning Commission, Mitch Davis-Hampshire County, John Reisenweber-Congresswoman Shelly Capito’s Office, Marc Bashoor-Mineral County Emergency Management, Steve Slonaker-Hampshire County Commission.

Opening: Lunch took place at the Loy Foundation in Romney, WV. Steve Slonaker welcomed everyone to the meeting, and also took the time to speak highly of Scott Kimble which recently lost his life in a collision on US 50 in Hampshire County.

Introductions: During introductions Outgoing Garrett County Commissioner Dave Beard and Preston County’s Darwin Wolfe were recognized for their service and perfect attendance of the US 50 Association. It was announced that Dennis Glotfelty of Garrett County, and Craig Jennings of Preston County would be taking over for their respective counties. Dave Beard also stated that group was having an impact on safety and improvements along the road. Darwin Wolfe indicated this is shown when the representatives of the congressional delegation are regularly attending the meetings.

Old Business: Taylor County's lack of attendance in an official capacity was brought up. Wayne Spiggle requested that an official letter be sent to the Taylor County Commission. Gary Howell volunteered to construct the letter.

Discussion was held that US 50 was one of the most dangerous roads in West Virginia, and it is believed that it is more dangerous than US 35 which the governor has identified as a priority for safety. Brian Carr and Bill Woods of WVDOH presented numbers of traffic collisions along both US 35 and US 50. Bill Woods indicated that you could interpret the numbers in different ways. While the worst section US 35 in Putnam County had about 100 more traffic collisions between 2003 and 2006 than worst section of US 50 did, US 50 had 2 more deaths in the same time period. It was pointed out with the higher volume of traffic on US 35 (nearly double) statistically per mile driven your odds on having a collision on US 50 are much higher.

Evelyn Baker asked what we needed to do to get Governor Manchin to request the priority projects identified by each county be put on the states 6-year plan. Wayne Spiggle asked Gary Howell to construct a letter to the Governor and the Commissioner of Transportation requesting the small projects list be made a priority.

John Reisenweber of Congresswoman Capito’s Office stated that the meeting between the Hampshire County delegation and the US Secretary of Transportation was productive. US 50 is now on the radar of the US Department of Transportation for needing upgrading.

Marc Bashoor of Mineral County EMS spoke on US 50 being an evacuation route for DC in an emergency and that the road could not handle the traffic. Both Lotta Neer of Congressman Mollohan’s office and John Reisenweber believed that funding could not be secured for road improvements based on the possibility of a mass exodus of the DC area.

Ken Musgrave of Mineral County volunteered to put together a power point presentation for the Secretary of Transportation to push the need for upgrades on US 50. Wayne Spiggle asked Gary Howell to help, and he agreed.

Gary Howell spoke on a phone conversation he had with the WV Secretary of Transportation on the stated policy of building all 4-lane roads only on new alignments. Gary pointed out that by using the existing 2-lane as Virginia does for one side of the road it can save 30% to 35% on construction cost of a 4-lane road. He felt that the state should take a serious look at changing its policy, so that more 4-lane roads can be built with the same amount of funding. Many sections of US 50 could be upgraded in this way to reduce the cost. Bill Woods stated that has been the policy of WVDOH, but that may be changing as they state is currently looking at upgrading sections of US 35 by using the existing road as one side of a 4-lane.

Citizen Concerns: None

January Meeting:

Mineral County will host the next meeting on January 17^th at a place to be determined.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:17.

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

November 15^th, 2006

Hampshire County Meeting Agenda

Loy Foundation (Old Coke Plant)

426 East Main St

Romney, WV 26757

I. 12:00 Lunch – 1:00

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Danger of the Highway as compared to others in West Virginia – Wayne Spiggle

VI. New Business

a. Doable Priorities for the next West Virginia legislative session – Wayne Spiggle

b. 4-lane using existing road as one side – Gary Howell

c. Increasing through traffic on US 220 multiplexed section – Gary Howell

d. D.C. Evacuation – Dick Fagley

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

September 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Peggy Jamison – Garrett County Development, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Karen Allen – WVDOH, Brian Carr – WVDOH, Frank Whitacre – Hampshire County Assessor, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Mona Ridder – Cumberland Times-News, Charles Baker – Hampshire County Planning Commission, Evelyn Baker-Hampshire County Planning Commission, Janice LaRue-Mineral County Commission, Kristan Carter-Mineral County Development Authority, Cindy Pyles-Mineral County Commission, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Wayne Spiggle-Mineral County Commission, Terri Funk-Preston County Assessor, Dave Price-Preston County Commission, Dave Sypolt-Preston County, Glenn Eddy-Preston County, Bill Light-WVDOH, Carson Blankenship-WVDOH, Larry Weaver-WVDOH Preston County, Mike Workman-North Central Byways.

Opening: Lunch took place at Melanie’s Restaurant in Aurora, WV. Darwin Wolf welcomed everyone to the meeting. Darwin also indicated he was delayed getting to the meeting because WVDOH was cleaning ditches, replacing pipes, and paving sections of US 50. The meeting was then turned over to Wayne Spiggle.

Wayne thanked Gary Howell for taking the time to prepare the minutes and agenda for each meeting.

Bill Woods gave a regional update on US 220. He stated that the WV meetings were well attended, but attendance at the MD meetings was light. Things are progressing on US 220 to the point a public workshop may be held before the end of the year.

Brian Carr indicated that new projects underway would be paving of US 50 between Augusta and Romney as well as a bridge replacement near Mechanicsburg Gap. On October 1, after the new Federal Highways Budget comes out, the state will be looking at the 6-year plan. Some US 50 projects maybe moved up on the schedule to an earlier completion date.

Accident reports on US 50 included 2 fatalities in Hampshire County. Mineral County had an accident at the intersection of Rt 93 and US 50 that could be prevented in the future as an upgrade to that intersection has been identified on Mineral Counties needs list. Grant County reported no problems, and Darwin Wolfe reported only minor accidents on Preston County's portion. Gary Howell stated that US 50 in WV had now exceeded US 35 in WV in highway deaths per mile. The state had identified US 35 as a top priority for its death rate, and now the group needs to get the state to make US 50 a top priority. Evelyn Baker pointed out that Joe Manchin has campaigned on making US 50 a priority.

Karen Allen of WVDOH’s Byways introduced Mike Workman of North Central Byways. Mike stated that purpose of the group is to get people off the interstates and to the back roads for tourism. North Central Byways administers WV 7, US 50, and WV 52. Darwin Wolfe stated that the Preston County commission had not been given all the details in 1997 when US 50 was designated. Mike Workman stated that they have a corridor enhancement plan that preserves history and promotes tourism. He stated that they are getting ready for new projects and applying for grants that they may be able to work with the US 50 associations on. The North Central Byways group has control over signs on both public and private land. Dave Price, Preston County Commission, stated that by stopping signs it was upsetting to business owners, and asked how the group got that power. Karen Allen stated that it was given the group by the state Transportation Commissioner. Evelyn Baker asked if this power overrules the elected body of the county commission. Larry Weaver of Preston-WVDOH ask for a point of contact and it was stated that North Central Byways was the point of contact and had total authority over signs on both public and private land.

Wayne Spiggle asked Karen Allen for a sales pitch on turning Mineral Counties section of US 50 into a Byway.

Dave Price asked if the designation effected naming the road for 911 purposes, and it was stated that it did not.

Wayne Spiggle ask if the gift shop at Saddle Mountain over look could be bought using grant money from the Byways commission and permanently closed.

Janice LaRue asked about the state passing a law so that County Planning Commissions could regulate outdoor signage along roads, it was stated to work with state elected officials to make that happen.

Wayne had not gotten any information on the Preparedness Summit held last month at Canaan Valley.

Charles Baker gave a report from a meeting with the US Secretary of Transportation and Congresswoman Captio. Hampshire County presented there needs for US 50 based on the US 50 Association needs study. It was stated that Hampshire County was well prepared for the meeting and that a lot of the credit goes to Brian Carr of WVDOH and all of his hard work. It was stress that Hampshire County was meeting with the transportation secretary as part of the WV 2^nd Congressional District, and not the US 50 associations. Hampshire County is the only county in the WV 2^nd district that contains US 50.

Old Business: Les Shoemaker not being in attendance the Roberts Rules request was tabled until a later date.

Citizen Concerns: None

November Meeting:

Hampshire County will host the next meeting on November 15^th at the Loy Foundation.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:32.

Preston County Meeting Agenda

September 29^th, 2006

Preston County Meeting Agenda

Melanie’s Restaurant

Northwestern Turnpike
Aurora, WV 26705

I. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Review of current decision making process and recommendation from Hampshire County that Robert’s Rules replace consensus format- Les Shoemaker

b. North Central Byways and Backways, Inc. - Karen Allen, WVDOH

c. Report on August Preparedness Summit at Canaan – Wayne Spiggle

VI. New Business

a. Hampshire County Report from Congresswoman Capito WV-2^nd District Road Meeting – Charlie Barker

b. Accident Reports – by County

c. Summer Road Improvements – Brian Carr WVDOH, Bob Fisher – MDSHA

d. US 50 Website – Rick Welsh

e. 2007 Priorities – Open discussion

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

July 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Gary Howell – Mineral County Planning Commission, Darwin Wolfe – Preston County Commission, Richard Feigley – Garrett County, Lotta Neer – Congressman Alan Mollohan’s Office, Dave Beard – Garrett County Commission, Peggy Jamison – Garrett County Development, Bob Fisher – MDSHA, Karen Allen – WVDOH, Brian Carr – WVDOH, Tom Hencke – Grant County Press, Frank Whitacre – Hampshire County Assessor, Grady Bradfield – Hampshire County, Marc Bashoor – Mineral County 911, Charles Goldizen – Grant County Commission, Elwood Williams – Grant County Development Authority, Mona Ridder – Cumberland Times-News, Don Graham – Mineral County, Terry Lively – Region 8 PDC, Chris Wakim – WV 1^st District Congressional Candidate.

Opening: Lunch took place at the Hermitage Inn in Petersburg, WV. Wayne Spiggle called meeting to order at 12:50, after introductions Charles Goldizen welcomed the group to Grant County.

Old Business: Les Shoemaker not being in attendance the Roberts Rules request was tabled until a later date. Gary Howell was asked to speak on the Priority Projects list. Gary stated that the list was in the pack of materials handed out and deferred to Brian Carr from WVDOH. Brian stated that all counties but Taylor had submitted their list, and Taylor informed him that they had presented their request directly to WVDOH. Brian also stated that a search of WVDOH records turned up nothing for Taylor County.

New Business: Evelyn Baker ask the group to consider requesting a Tier 1 study for the US 50 corridor be implemented. Brian Carr of WVDOH stated that the cost of a Tier 1 study would be in the $8 million dollar range. Both Brian Carr of WVDOH and Bob Fisher of MDSHA thought it was too soon to request a Tier 1 study. They felt the money would be wasted, because the project would not be in the near term. Evelyn Baker stated the group needs to start someplace.

WVDOH and MDSHA both stated they did not believe that the signage showing mileage to Sacramento, CA and Ocean City, MD and would not place the signs. Evelyn Baker stated that the Hampshire County CVB was willing to provide funding for a sign in Hampshire County. Gary Howell stated that talking with Anne Palmer at Mineral County CVB they wanted to see what Hampshire County did and then make a decision. Wayne Spiggle spoke that the state might not want the sign on their right-of-way. Brian Carr stated that while Charleston position was opposed to it, District Offices might have some leeway to work with the CVB’s.

Karen Allen of WVDOH Byways explained that making a highway a designated Byway it opens up additional grants. WV has received $6 million since 1991. It also allows access to the Transportation Enhancement Program that WV receives $12 million annually. The state advertises the Byway Routes in West Virginia Magazine to promote tourism and travel. Limitations are placed on Byways to protect the intrinsic qualities including scenic, cultural, and historic, etc. Outdoor advertising is prohibited off the businesses immediate site. US 50 has already been listed as a Byway from Clarksburg to the Maryland State Line. Darwin Wolfe the byway interfering with upgrades, as the Preston County Commission was unaware of the designation. Karen Allen stated it was so designated in June of 1997. It is requested that the North Central Byways & Backways Inc., the group administering the US 50 Byway, be invited to the September meeting. Karen stated she would extend that invitation.

Wayne Spiggle suggested that picket the August Preparedness Summit held at Canaan Valley with place cards to draw attention to the plight of US 50. Gary Howell stated that it would be a bad idea to protest, and that is not what the group is about. We need to work with the officials to get the changes to the road. Marc Basehor stated that the county Emergency service of Eastern WV, Western MD, and Northern VA have been meeting to discuss evacuating DC and that the counties had essentially been un-invited to the event. Only state officials are being asked to attend.

Gary Howell suggested that a lower cost alternative to a full 4-lane road might be a three lane with 2 lanes in one direction and the switch to 2-lanes in the other direction to provide opportunities to pass and improve flow along the existing alignment. WVDOH stated that WV did not have that as a possibility in their guides for building roads. Gary stated that on several occasions that WVDOH has backed off on low cost solutions because they were not in the states guide. Giving examples of the 3-lane option on US 11 in PA, and that a second 2-lane road was built parallel to US 50 in VA to make it 4-lanes, Gary ask that maybe the state should look to revise its guides.

Don Graham asked if the US 50 association could have representation at the North South corridor meetings. Bob Fisher of MDSHA stated that anybody that wants put on the mailing list to attend the meetings should e@mail him and requests a summary of previous meetings. Bob Fishers e@mail is BFisher@sha.state.md.us

Brian Carr of WVDOH passed out completed copies of the US 50 needs studies. He brought two copies for each county involved.

Citizen Concerns: None

September Meeting:

Preston County will host the next meeting on September 20^th. Confirmed location will follow.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:01.

Grant County Meeting Agenda

July 19^th, 2006

Grant County Meeting Agenda

Hermitage Inn Restaurant

203 Virginia Ave
Petersburg, WV 26847

I. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

II. Introductions

III. Minutes of Previous Meeting

IV. Correspondence

V. Old Business

a. Review of current decision making process and recommendation from Hampshire County that Robert’s Rules replace consensus format- Les Shoemaker

b. Present Priority Project list – Gary Howell

VI. New Business

a. Coast-to-coast signage

1. WVDOH & MDSHA’s position

2. Hampshire County CVB – Evelyn Baker

b. Federal Funding Subcommittee Report – Gary Howell

c. August Preparedness Summit at Canaan – Wayne Spiggle

d. 3-lane alternative for US 50 – Gary Howell

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting

X. Adjourn

May 2006 Minutes

Recorded Attendees: Wayne Spiggle-Mineral Co., Gary Howell-Mineral Co., Kolin Jan-Mineral Co., Mona Ridder Cumberland Time-News, Melvin Hott-Hampshire Co., Frank Whitacre-Hampshire Co., Mitch Davis-Hampshire, Co., Steve Slonaker-Hampshire Co., Chris Wakim-WV 1^st Congressional District Candidate, Ruth Rowan WV 50^th District Delegate, Peggy Oliver, Arvin Hwash-Preston Co., Dave Sypolt-Preston Co., Darwin Wolfe-Preston Co., A. Craig Rotruck-Preston Co., Royce B. Saville-Hampshire Co., Les Shoemaker-Hampshire Co., Ken Musgrave-Mineral Co., Evelyn Baker-Hampshire Co., Charles Baker-Hampshire/Mineral Co., Larry Weaver, Brian Carr-WVDOH Charleston, Mark White-WVDOH Charleston, Don Graham, Wood William-Grant Co., Dave Beard-Garrett County, Peggy Jaimson-Garrett Co., John Wagoner-Hampshire Co., Larry Lemon-Sen. Rockefellers Office, John Raese-US Senate Candidate, Richard Feigley-Garrett Co., Dawn Parson-Guest Speaker.

Unrecorded Attendees: Lotta Neer-Representing Alan Mollohan, Cindy Pyles-Mineral Co.

Total Attendees: 63

Opening: Lunch took place at Hagenbuch’s Loaf’in Around Restaurant, but do to the larger than expected size of the meeting it was moved next door. Wayne Spiggle Called the meeting to order at 1:30. Wayne gave a brief background on the founding of the US 50 association. Wayne asked Gary Howell to remove “Candidate for Mineral County Commission” from his e@mail signature when sending out US 50 Associations e@mails. Wayne stated the reason as the US 50 Association was founded as a non-partisan political group.

Introductions: Wayne asked all people running for elected office to stand and introduce himself or herself. He started with federal office, then state, then local. Gary Howell was asked to introduce the Federal Funding Subcommittee. The Press and others introduced themselves.

Old Business: Brian Carr of WVDOH spoke on the US 50 needs study and the progress. He indicated that over 77 projects had been listed.

Gary Howell distributed copies of the US 220 Route support letter, agreed to at the March meeting. The letter had been presented to WVDOH and MDSHA at the Moorefield US220 meeting in April.

Gary Howell was asked to speak on the Small Projects list, which was to be presented to the congressional delegation. Gary deferred to Brian Carr and asked if Brian had received the projects that had been missing. Brian stated that he had received Garrett County’s, but was still missing Grant and Taylor Counties projects.

Gary Howell was asked to speak on the proposed “Super-2” Standard. Copies of the standard were distributed to the group. Gary explained that the “Super-2” concept and how it could be used along US 50. Letters requesting that the “Super-2” standard be added to the Appalachian Development Highway System were presented to the representatives from the Federal delegation.

*Letters not picked up were mailed the following day.

Evelyn Baker spoke on WV Senate Bill 673, which gives counties the ability to raise funds for road projects. There were two bills that were similar, and it was indicated by Chris Wakim that S.673 had not passed.

* Review after the meeting provided that S.673 had passed, and the other bill had not. S.673 was signed into law on March 23^rd, 2006, and is currently available for WV counties to use for road funding.

New Business: Review of switching the US 50 Association from a consensus format to Roberts Rules of Order was tabled until the next meeting. Les Shoemaker that presented the idea agreed to this.

Gary Howell stated that WVDOH had lowered the weight limits on the WV 93 Bridge at New Creek. This will increase truck traffic on US 50 from Mount Storm in Grant County to Claysville in Mineral County. This section is down Allegheny Front and has been know for it accidents involving trucks.

Karen Allen at WVDOH called Gary Howell just prior to the meeting and indicated that through the efforts of the Planning Commissions and Chambers of Commerce in Preston and Taylor Counties, US 50 had been designated a “Scenic Byway” and that the state had installed signs. Brian Carr of WVDOH had indicated that this would change the type of signage that can be located on US 50 and limit some of the upgrades that can be done. Darwin Wolf of Preston County indicated that Preston County had no Planning Commission. Karen Allen said she could be available for a US 50 meeting to explain what had happened.

Darwin Wolfe reminded people that the coast-to-coast US 50 yard sale is being held May 19^th thru May 21^st along US 50.

Wayne Spiggle presented the group with a letter he received about signage on US 50 to promote it or remind people that it is a coast-to-coast highway. The letter suggests that signs be placed at the state borders give the distance to the ends. The letter had the following to photos in it.

John Lusk of WVDOH was presented with the letter.

* Speaking with John Lusk after the meeting, he is giving the letter to the proper WVDOH division. John thought that a sign at the Virginia State Line in Hampshire County could read the mileage to Romney, the MD State Line and Sacramento. An eastbound sign at the Maryland line in Grant County could read the mileage to Romney, the VA State Line, and Ocean City, MD. A west bound sign at Preston County’s entry would read mileage to Clarksburg, the OH state line and Sacramento, CA.

Citizens Concerns:
Dawn Parson spoke of her daughter’s tragic death on US 50 at the Mineral/Hampshire County line, and stressed the fact that the condition of the highway was the underlying factor. Dawn ask the federal representatives to look into Home Land Security money for upgrades to US 50, and ask the state to increase the number of DOT officers patrolling in the Eastern Panhandle.

Jerry Giffin spoke of his brother’s death on US 50 near Capon Bridge. Again the condition of the highway design was stressed at the underlying factor.

July Meeting:

Grant County, WV will hold the next meeting at a place to be determined. The date will be July 19^th, 2006.

Meeting Adjourned at 3:30 PM

Mineral County Meeting Agenda

May 17^th, 2006

Meeting Agenda

Hagenbuch’s Loaf’in Around

Zero Washington St

Fort Ashby, WV 26719

I. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

II. Welcome US Congressional Delegation and other public policy representatives Introductions

III. Other introductions

IV. Minutes of Previous Meeting

V. Old Business

a. Present group with US 220 corridor letter (attached)

b. Present Priority Project list to Congressional Delegation

c. Present ADHS “Super-2” letters to Congressional delegation

d. WV Senate Bill 673 “Local Powers Act”

VI. New Business

a. Review of current decision making process and recommendation from Hampshire County that Robert’s Rules replace consensus format

VII. Regional Issues

VIII. Citizens Concerns

a. A. US 50 safety issues – Dawn Parsons and others

IX. Volunteer host site for next meeting – Adjourn

Super-2 Letter

May 17, 2006

US 50 Association

Stephen Smoot

335 D. St

Keyser, WV 26726

Sen. Barbara Mikulski

503 Hart Senate OB

Washington, D.C. 20510

The Appalachian Development Highway System, Super 2 concept, represents a compromise that improves important regional highways without proposing a more expensive limited access four lane expressways. A Super 2 highway builds an ordinary two-lane artery into one capable of safe sixty-five mile per hour traffic. Please find enclosed specifications.

With respect to Corridor H emerging as a reality, four-lane status for US 50 in this region may be unrealistic at this time. However, the population growth along this route demands improvements to facilitate individual and commercial traffic access.

A growing population and business community requires a modern highway that can facilitate safe travel in all seasons. Waiting until problems grow acute will not help development along the US 50 corridor. Super 2 is the right answer, right now. Please consider working with your Congressional colleagues along US 50 in creating a bill to make the Super-2 concept part of the ADHS system to fill in the gaps left in the current 4-lane ADHS.

Thank You

Stephen Smoot Les Shoemaker

Potomac State College March Meeting Host
Mineral County Hampshire County

Cc: Rep Alan Mollohan, Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, Rep. Frank Wolf, Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Sen. George Allen, Sen. John Warner, Sen. Robert Byrd,

Proposed ADHS “Super-2” Specifications

Proposed ADHS “Super-2” Specifications

· Minimum design speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) in rural areas, with 50 mph (80 km/h) allowed in mountainous and urban areas.

· Sight distance, curvature and superelevation according to the current edition of AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets for the design speed.

· Maximum grade determined by a table, with up to 6% allowed in mountainous areas and hilly urban areas.

· At least one lane in each direction, and more if necessary for an acceptable level of service in the design year, according to the current edition of AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.

· Climbing lanes and emergency escape ramps should be provided where necessary for an acceptable level of service in the design year, according to the current edition of AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.

· Minimum lane width of 12 ft (3.6 m).

· Minimum paved shoulder width of 10 ft (3.0 m)

· Pavement cross slope of at least 1.5% and preferably 2% to ensure proper drainage on straight sections. This can be increased to 2.5% in areas of heavy rainfall. Shoulder cross slope should be between 2% and 6% but not less than the main lanes.

· Roadside barriers should be used for slopes of 3:1 or steeper, in accordance with the current edition of AASHTO's Roadside Design Guide.

· No fixed objects should be in the clear recovery area, determined by the design speed in accordance with the current edition of AASHTO's Roadside Design Guide. When this is not possible, breakaway supports or barriers guarding the objects shall be used.

· Vertical curbs are prohibited. Sloping curbs are to be at the edge of the paved shoulder, with a maximum height of 100 mm (4 in). The combination of curbs and guardrail is discouraged; in this case the guardrail should be closer to the road than the curb.

· Minimum vertical clearance under overhead structures (including over the paved shoulders) of 16 ft (4.9 m) in rural areas and 14 ft (4.3 m) in urban areas, with allowances for extra layers of pavement. Through urban areas at least one routing should have 16 ft (4.9 m) clearances. Sign supports and pedestrian overpasses must be at least 17 ft (5.1 m) above the road, except on urban routes with lesser clearance, where they should be at least 1 ft (0.3 m) higher than other objects. Vertical clearance on through truss bridges is to be at least 17 ft (5.1 m).

· Super 2 roadways shall be constructed in such away that will allow for a second roadway to be constructed at a future date when traffic patterns dictate a divided highway is needed.

· Building set backs must be at least 100 ft (30.0 m) from the edge of the paved shoulder.

No more than one grade level crossing per 5000 ft (1500.0 m)

US 220 Request Letter

April 19, 2006

To: WV Department of Highways & MD State Highway Administration

After discussion at the March 15^th meeting in Hampshire County the US 50 Association representing Frederick County, VA, Garrett County, MD, Hampshire, Mineral, Grant, Taylor, and Preston Counties in West Virginia request that the US 220 North-South Corridor follow the existing US 220 route.

US 220 multiplexes with US 50 from Junction in Hampshire County, WV west to near New Creek in Mineral County, WV and this would allow a 10 mile section of US 50 to be upgraded into 4-lane. The association believes that this will best serve the communities involved by improving safety and commerce along US 50.

Gary Howell Les Shoemaker
Mineral County Planning Commission Hampshire County Commission
March meeting facilitator March meeting host

March 2006 Minutes

Attendees: Gary Howell-Mineral Co., Evelyn Baker-Hampshire Co., Nannette Milleson-Hampshire Co., Stephen Smoot-Mineral Co., Dave Beard-Garrett Co. MD, Richard Feigley-Garrett Co. MD, Grady Bradfield-Hampshire Co., Les Shoemaker-Hampshire Co., Ken Musgrave-Mineral Co., Darwin Wolfe, Preston Co., Mona Ridder-Cumberland, MD, Nathan Signs-Hampshire Co., Dave Moe-Garrett Co. MD, Mitch Davis-Hampshire Co., Don Graham-Mineral Co., Chuck DeHaven, Frederick Co. VA, Cindy Pyles-Mineral Co, Michael O’Brian-Hampshire Co., Robert Amtower-District 5 WVDOH, William Wood-WVDOH Charleston, Lessie Treutle-Mineral Co., Brian Carr-WVDOH Charleston, Bob Turner-Hampshire Co., Bill Hicks-Hampshire County, CB Woodwilliam-Grant Co.

Les Shoemaker President of the Hampshire County Commission welcomed all participants to Hampshire County, and recognized Chuck DeHaven County Supervisor of Fredrick County VA, as this is their first meeting. Les then turned the meeting over to Gary Howell of Mineral County.

Old Business:

After introductions, Gary Howell presented Chuck DeHaven of Frederick County, VA a copy of the US 50 Needs Study prepared by Brian Carr of WVDOH.

It was decided that a letter should be sent from the group to, the six senators and four congresspersons representing the 3 states along the section of US 50, requesting that a new “Super 2” highway standard be considered as part of an expanded ADHS system to connect the current 4 lane corridors on the system. We are requesting that US 50, where it is not practical to be four lanes be considered for this new “Super 2” standard. Stephen Smoot of Potomac State College volunteered to prepare the letter.

Evelyn Baker of Hampshire County stated that our Federal Representatives were open to the idea of using Homeland Security money for improvements to US 50 as an evacuation route for Washington, but also stated that money was drying up.

At the last US 50 meeting Dave Bread of Garrett County, MD ask about the Wilson-Corona bridge project and that could the US 50 association bring that to the states attention. After that meeting Gary Howell contacted Alan Evans WV delegate for that area and requested it be looked into. Dave Beard at this meeting announced that WV had moved on the Wilson-Corona Bridge project (near Bayard on a US 50 feeder road) and that project is on track to be built. It was expressed that CSX had an issue with a railroad crossing on the WV side, and that WV would have to address that issue. Bob Amtower of District 5, WVDOH said that had all been taken care of with CSX.

New Business:

Bob Amtower of District 5 WVDOH announced that with the next paving project of US 50 from the Grant County line east to Skyline in Mineral County center road reflectors would be imbedded in the road to help in foggy and other adverse conditions. This was something that had been suggested at several US 50 meetings in the past.

Lessie Treutle of Mineral County asks about lighting at intersections to help with safety and travel.

Gary Howell brought fourth a request from the people of Elk Garden that strobe light be added to the stop sign at the intersection of WV 42 and US 50 at Skyline to help prevent accidents in foggy conditions. Brian Carr is adding it to the US 50 Needs Study.

WV Senate Bill 673 was discussed which would give the counties the right to raise bonds to help with road projects needed in their area. This would be outside WVDOH, but allow counties some access to Federal Matching Funds for these projects. It was unclear if this would effect WV’s state funds if. It was suggested we look into this further.

Regional Issues:

William Wood of WVDOH talked about the US 220 north south corridor, and its proposed routes. Les Shoemaker of Hampshire County ask that the group support the route that followed the existing US 220 corridor, which includes a large section of US 50 from Knobley Mt in Mineral County to Junction in Hampshire County. He stated that this would give a 4-lane section to US 50. It was agreed that the US 50 association would write a letter to WVDOH in support of this. Stephen Smoot volunteered to write the letter.

Meeting adjourned at 2:10 and the next meeting will be held in Mineral County on May 17^th at a place to be determined.

US 50 Association

March 15, 2006

Meeting Agenda

I. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

II. Welcome Virginia delegation

III. Introductions

IV. Minutes of Previous Meeting

V. Old Business

a. Present US 50 needs assessment document to Frederick County

b. Discuss each counties priority projects

c. Discuss approaching ARC’s ADHS on “Super 2” proposal

VI. New Business

VII. Citizens Concerns