WINFIELD, West Virginia — Putnam County is taking concrete steps to improve safety on the heavily traveled U.S. Route 35. Crews started a one‑mile paving project on Monday, beginning at Hurricane Creek Road and moving north toward Mason County. The new surface is expected to smooth the roadway and reduce the risk of accidents.
Why the project matters
Several fatal crashes on Route 35 have prompted county leaders to look for solutions. Putnam County Transportation Committee Chairman Brian Ellis said the combination of poor road conditions and drivers exceeding safe speeds has made the corridor dangerous. “Road conditions and people who drive too fast for those conditions,” Ellis explained, adding that the problem has worsened as traffic volumes have increased.
Ellis noted that when the highway was a two‑lane road, speeds were already hazardous. “Now it has gone to the extreme. All the truck traffic coming down out of Ohio, along with passenger vehicles, is traveling far too fast for road conditions,” he said. He called the upcoming traffic safety study “long overdue” and emphasized that the study will complement the paving work.
Legislative perspective
State Representative Kathie Hess-Crouse, a Republican from Putnam County, echoed the concerns. She highlighted heavy fog, limited lighting in certain stretches, and a lack of adequate entrance and exit lanes as key contributors to the danger. “This will help some, but it still doesn’t address all of the safety concerns in the area,” Hess‑Crouse said.
The representative said officials are finalizing a contract with a consultant to conduct the safety study. “I hope this accomplishes the goal of making Route 35 safer for drivers and ensuring residents know that when they are entering or exiting the highway, they are not going to be run over by another vehicle or a semi‑truck,” she added.
Timeline and expectations
The paving work is slated for completion by December. While the new pavement should provide an immediate improvement in ride quality, the traffic safety study’s start date remains undetermined. County officials stress that both efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce fatalities and improve overall travel conditions on this vital corridor.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits and exercise caution, especially in foggy conditions or when visibility is reduced. County transportation staff will continue to monitor the project’s progress and will provide updates as the safety study moves forward.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
