BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Dozens of Beckley locals gathered at Beckley City Hall Thursday night to discuss a proposed project.
This project is the WVU Tech Campus Corridor Project. The project consists of converting South Kanawha Street into a one-way street between Beaver Avenue and Johnstown Road to McCreary Street.
Minnesota Avenue near the WVU Tech campus will be extended to form the Beaver Avenue intersection.
A roundabout will also be built to help flow traffic near McCreary Street and Beaver Avenue.
Paul Mattox, project manager for EL Robinson Engineering, told 59News the project will help increase safety for WVU Tech students and staff, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
“There's no way we can't be satisfied with a project that will bring safety to WVU Tech, our faculty, and the people who use its hallways. It will be much better than what we have now,” Mattox said.
The purpose of the meeting was to give local residents an opportunity to ask questions.
Some locals had their questions answered, but others said they were left with more questions than before. Some of the questions concerned transportation and the impact on local businesses.
It includes questions from Ryan Koch, a WVU Tech student studying to become a civil engineer.
He said it's a good idea, but he's concerned about traffic flow on Minnesota Avenue.
“They're looking at it from an administrator/engineering perspective, not a stakeholder. They can ask professors and people all they want, but they don't live on campus. So administrators I think you need that opinion as well, compared to just that,” Koch said.
You could also write your questions in the comment box and have them answered later.
Despite the uncertainty on the ground, project managers remain optimistic.
One of them is WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart.
He said he understands the frustration of local residents, but believes the project will help improve the campus and the city of Beckley.
“I ask them to give us a chance and we listen to what they have to say. We are here to help the City of Beckley grow and that is what our community is all about,” Stuart said.
If you would like to enter your own questions, you can do so on the Highways Agency website.
All questions are due by March 4 as project stakeholders continue to adjust the project schedule.
