The long-planned project to improve the intersection of Earl Core Road (W.Va. 7) and Green Bag Road will begin within the next two weeks, according to a Monday announcement by the state Division of Highways.
The $1,797,851.31 contract calls to simplify the intersection into a “T” shape. Work will also include drainage improvements as well as upgrades to “Access 1” — the connector road between W.Va. 7 and Sabraton Avenue (road between Hardee’s and Woodburn Shanks BBQ).
The contractor, Mountaineer Contractors of Kingwood, is ordering materials, setting up traffic control and installing a temporary signal, which will be used as part of the detour included in the temporary traffic control. The contractor is waiting for power to be supplied for the temporary signal before work can begin.
Traffic lights were installed last week at the intersection of old W.Va. 7 and Earl Core Road, near Mineral Street in anticipation of this project. The lights are not yet on.
The project will be completed in multiple phases:
- In the first phase, Green Bag Road will be closed from the intersection with W.Va. 7 to the trail behind the Dollar Tree. At the same time, W.Va. 7 will be shifted slightly so work can be performed on W.Va. 7 East. However, two lanes of W.Va. 7 will be open at all times.
- In the second phase, Green Bag Road will be re-opened. W.Va. 7 will be slightly shifted again, so work can begin on W.Va. 7 West. Two lanes of W.Va. 7 will once again be open during this phase.
From here, additional work on Access 1 will begin. The final configuration of Access 1 will be right in/right out only from W.Va. 7 and no access from Sabraton Avenue.
This project is scheduled to be completed by mid-July, although the timeline is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
