Approximately 50 people filled the Martinsburg Room of the Berkeley County-Martinsburg Library on the night of June 5 to meet with the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) to discuss the Martinsburg Bypass.

The meeting was sponsored by the Martinsburg Bypass Coalition. Representatives of the coalition explained that the group stands firm on a no-build option and challenges the WVDOH to use existing roadways and make improvements, as opposed to constructing new roads.

Dave Clevenger, an engineer with the Division of Highways, attended the meeting to answer questions and address the group's concerns. "We will do everything possible to provide residents with information concerning the Bypass, other Route 9 projects and any other highway project," Clevenger said. "However, the correct information is not always what some residents want to hear."

During the meeting, individuals who support the coalition presented information concerning noise pollution and how to become involved with and support the coalition.

Also, coalition members and residents indicated their concerns regarding whether the Division of Highways has complied with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA process is a federal procedure required to build a highway with federal dollars.

Clevenger explained, "I can assure residents that the Division of Highways is going to great lengths to follow all proper procedures required to build the Martinsburg Bypass. The Federal Highway Administration would not allow us to continue the project if that was not the case."

Other residents were concerned that the WVDOH would build the entire project and only then ask the federal government for reimbursement of the funds. "I can honestly say in all my years at the highway department, I have never heard that concern before. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, this is not the case. We cannot charge highway projects and pay them off later. We are awarded a certain amount of money from the federal government for highway projects and we distribute those funds throughout the state. In some cases, such as Route 9 from the Virginia state line to Martinsburg, we have a special appropriation from Congress to build a road. Prior to the advertisement for any project, the WVDOH must have the money available for construction. We match that with state dollars."

The WVDOH is currently planning more public meetings to be held on the Bypass once it completes the environmental documents required by federal regulations to build the road.

For more information on the Martinsburg Bypass, log on to the web site dedicated to Route 9 at www.wvroute9.com.


These photos illustrate the evening's activities.

Dave Clevenger, an engineer with the Division of Highways, reviews Bypass maps with residents.		Martinsburg Bypass Coalition supporters present information to the crowd.

Clevenger addresses the group's concerns.		Clevenger speaks with residents and the media following the meeting.

When the Berkeley County-Martinsburg Library closed, Clevenger remained outside to address more concerns.		Senator John R. Unger II joined Clevenger after the meeting to discuss the Bypass with residents.

top of page