MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The State Department of Transportation, the Monongalia County Commission, and WestRidge have announced Phase I of the Chaplin Hill Gateway project along I-79 is now out for bid, and work could begin next spring.
The project is at Exit 155, the primary access point for Mylan Park and West Virginia University.
Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom said the project is the first major public-private partnership infrastructure project that’s ever been undertaken. The project will be funded by $67.2 million from the DOH, $54.3 from the federal MEGA grant received last spring, and about $13.5 from the county commission and WestRidge.
“That means the state is committing their funding of $55 million, the federal government is committing their $60 million, and we have the local funds here for it to become a reality,” Bloom said.
Phase I includes replacement of the I-79 bridges over Chaplin Hill Road. Future phases of work to be bid in the future include a new interchange, a flyover ramp to improve traffic flow through the intersection of US 19 and WV 7, road widening, and the addition of multi-modal corridors, according to Commissioner Sean Sikora.
“The next phase that will immediately go into the planning process is the actual interchange, connections, and the flyover that will come out of Star City and immediately north to Pennsylvania,” Sikora said.
The existing outdated intersection now handles more traffic than it was designed for during peak times like WVU football games and the frequent major events held at Mylan Park. When totally complete, it will serve as a safe and efficient way to enter and exit that part of the city.
“All those access points that are all congested and failing in that area will get help,” Sikora said. “So, it’s going to be a major improvement for the whole county but specifically those areas immediately adjacent to the intersection.”
Bloom said this will be a major transportation improvement for travel to and from the western end of the county. Growth in the county has been centered in the west with the Morgantown Industrial Park, University Town Center, and all of the residential developments is expected to continue for many years to come.
“I believe this will be a game changer for the citizens of Monongalia County and also the western end,” Bloom said. “We’re going to be able to open the western end with this.”
The construction of multi-modal connections will allow residents and visitors to get to Mylan Park and back to the city of Morgantown in any form of transportation. According to the Federal Highway Administration, multi-modal connections contribute to the health, equity, and quality of life in communities.
“Access to all points will be available,” Sikora said. “Whether you’re on a bus, car, or bicycle, it’s really going to add access to all those immediate ways people would want to traverse this area.”
Bids are being accepted for Phase I of the project through Oct. 20.
WestRidge President Ryan Lynch could not be reached for comment.