MORGANTOWN — If you’ve lost a hubcap in recent weeks, it may be nailed to a pole across from Shorty Anderson’s Auto Service, at 908 Stewart Street.
Don’t worry, the likely culprit has been dealt with — for now.
The Dominion Post reached out to the West Virginia Division of Highways on Friday morning regarding a large crater that once again formed across from the garage on Stewartstown Road / Stewart Street — also known as County Route 67.
On Friday afternoon, the DOH filled the hole, but not before it claimed several victims — as witnessed by the hubcaps the guys at the garage routinely collect and affix to the pole — a Michelin memorial, a Goodyear graveyard.
“There are seven up there now. Within the past week we’ve had three people come back and get them,” co-owner Shawn Rowan said of the display. “This was our idea. I used to call the state, the county, the sheriff’s department. I would call frequently to complain about the holes and then I would complain to the sheriff’s department about the speed through here. Nothing.”
If Rowan is frustrated, it’s because he’s seen this scenario play out before.
A little over two months ago the same spot deteriorated to the point that crews from the city of Morgantown patched it, despite the fact that it is a state road outside city boundaries. It was explained the city rarely takes such action, but feared the holes posed a safety hazard as drivers edged over into oncoming traffic to avoid vehicle damage.
City Manager Paul Brake said the fix was a one-time occurrence and that the city would not spend resources addressing state roads without an agreement in place.
DOH Spokesman Brent Walker said the state appreciates the help but does not reimburse when a municipality steps in to address emerging issues on state routes.
As is often the case with consistent, reoccurring road issues, water lies at the heart of the problem.
Walker said the DOH recently addressed the ditch lines along the road and added berming stone, where possible.
“There are some drainage issues. The pulled ditch lines will help,” Walker said. “We also believe a contributing factor is a result of some recent development in the area that appears to have no drainage structures.”
He went on to say that the DOH planned to return with hot mix next week to make “longer lasting repairs.” It’s unclear if the work done Friday is what Walker was referring to.
Rowan confirmed that the ground along the road is usually wet in that area, causing water to come up through the road. He said that until those problems are dealt with, the holes will keep coming back, and the hubcaps will keep going up.
“When you combine the speed with these holes, it’s terrible. We had a car through here two days ago and they hit very hard — blew the tire, busted the wheel and kept right on going,” Rowan said, laughing off a question about whether he’s helping the holes along in an attempt to drum up business.
“We don’t do tires here or we would,” he joked. “Heck, maybe we should start.”
