West Virginia Division of Highways reveals Cross Lanes project proposal

CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — Traffic has been a major issue in Cross Lanes.

On Tuesday night, the West Virginia Division of Highways revealed its proposed plan to the public at a community meeting at Cross Lanes Baptist Church.

"This project has been a few years in the making," West Virginia Division of Highways Section Head Dirar M. Ahman said. "We understand the traffic needs in this area because it grew rapidly over many years."

The project would widen the lanes on Goff Mountain and Big Tyler Roads -- something the mayor of nearby Nitro believes will allow traffic to flow better and spark growth in the area.

"This is going to be very beneficial to the businesses in Cross Lanes," Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said. "I think we will see new business investments in Cross Lanes because of the new road."

At the meeting, people stressed their concerns about the effect the project's construction would have on businesses and traffic.

"We aren't doing our jobs correctly if we impact business and homeowners during the process," Ahmad said.

The West Virginia Division of Highways told Eyewitness News that the project is still in the early stages and they are estimating construction to begin in 2021.

Anyone unable to make it to the meeting Tuesday night can send in a written comment to the Department of Transportation here. All comments are due by Aug. 16.