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Environmental Impacts of Route 9
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This information was last updated in 2003 and 2004.
Please check back as this information will be updated soon. |
A significant part of every highway project is the determination of the environmental impact of the planned construction. In the case of Route 9, this study has been extensive and lengthy. A combination of concerns about the environment and the preservation of historical sites have resulted in a number of plans and proposals.
Charles Town to Virginia State Line
The Environmental Impact study for this section of the Route 9 relocation project developed information which led to the conclusion that Alternative E was the preferred alternative.
The preferred alternative requires the displacement of only 14 residences. Furthermore, this alternative directly effects only 46 acres of agricultural land along the five-mile stretch.
Analysis of the data also shows that Alternative E involves less than one-third of an acre of palustrine wetlands and impacts 2,761 feet of perennial stream.
The preferred alternative was developed to avoid crossings of Cattail Run and associated wetlands and springs. Cattail Run is classified as a High Quality Stream and the spring is a major source of water for the Federal Hill Farm operation.
All of the construction alternatives require acquisition of land from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This becomes necessary because the existing Route 9 right-of-way bisects the trail near Keys Gap near the Virginia state line.
Martinsburg Bypass
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is currently evaluating the environmental aspects of the Martinsburg Bypass Project. GAI Consultants, the engineering consultant to the WVDOH on the Bypass project, has developed an Environmental Assessment. It was submitted for approval to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) October 28, 2003. Once the FHWA approves the EA, a public hearing will be scheduled. The environmental phase of the project is expected to be completed by late fall 2004.
Stay tuned to this section of the Route 9 web site for information on the Environmental Assessment.
Martinsburg to Charles Town
The Environmental Impact Study for the 10-mile section of Route 9 was approved July 2002. The estimated construction cost, including right of way is $110 million. Final design and right of way acquisition is nearly complete on the preferred alternative. A 0.3-mile grading contact in the area of the Bardane Industrial Park was awarded for construction on February 10, 2003 at a cost of $2.8 million.
Additional construction contracts from the Bypass to Kearneysville are expected to be let to contract late spiring/early summer 2004. Construction contracts from Kearneysville to Martinsburg are expected to be let this summer 2004, depending upon the availability of federal funding.
Stay tuned to this section of the Web site for environmental impacts on the other sections of Route 9.
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