WHEELING, W.Va. — Among all the celebrations commemorating the state’s 150th birthday… the legislature is holding interim committee meetings in Wheeling this week. The Division of Highways will give a presentation tomorrow concerning the affect increased shale gas traffic is having on the state’s roads.
“The damage that is being caused by the heavy trucks in the area is something that needs addressed,” says Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Bob Beach.
Beach says the fracking industry is moving extremely fast in the region and it will become increasingly difficult to keep up with road repairs and improvements if nothing is done.
“Right now the DOH does work with these companies to do a survey in advance concerning the condition of the highways,” explains Beach.
The DOH and the gas companies then come up with a plan on how to maintain the roads as the fracking process moves along. Beach says it just seems like everything is being overwhelmed in regards to the infrastructure that is available and the quality of the roads in some areas.
“I’m sure the legislature and the committee on transportation will step up and address it in the future,” promises Beach.
Beach says the DOH will answer questions and make recommendations to the committee. The meeting is set for Thursday afternoon at 3:00.