In Morgantown, a transportation project has been through a series of twists and turns. It started with discussions, debates, and designs, only to face cancellations and re-awards. Now, the long-awaited single-lane oval roundabout at the angular intersection of University Avenue, Collins Ferry Road, and Baldwin Street is set to begin construction.

Unraveling the Story of Morgantown's Roundabout

History and Background

This roundabout project has a long history that dates back nearly 20 years. In 2005, the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization first identified the need for changes at this intersection. Since then, it has been a topic of continuous discussion and planning. Mountaineer Contractors was initially awarded a contract in 2019 with a bid of $1,784,957.41, but the project was cancelled in 2022 due to complications with right-of-way acquisitions. The Morgantown Utility Board completed utility upgrades in 2020, preparing the ground for the upcoming construction.

The state's assessment revealed that parts of the intersection graded out at service level F, indicating significant failure, especially in southbound movements from Collins Ferry onto University. The difficulty in accurately understanding the full extent of the intersection's failure was also noted due to traffic diversion through Pocahontas Avenue and the Huntington Bank parking lot.

The DOH's Solution

In 2017, the Department of Highways put forward its oblong roundabout recommendation, which was supported by the MPO, Morgantown City Council, and the Monongalia County Board of Education. However, it faced immediate pushback from some Suncrest residents and business owners who were concerned about the impact on traffic in the surrounding neighborhood and the function of neighborhood routes like Baldwin Street.

Even the town of Star City, whose municipal boundary lies just down University Avenue from the intersection, came out against the plan. Former Star City Mayor Herman Reid was vehemently opposed, while current Mayor Sharon Doyle took a more cautious stance, stating that the intersection impacts traffic flow through Star City and the upcoming project is being closely watched.

Current Status and Future

Mountaineer Contractors was finally awarded a new contract worth $2,091,104 on September 25. Construction is set to begin in March 2024 and is expected to be completed in August 2026. This roundabout is expected to significantly improve the service level of the intersection and address the long-standing issues.

As the project moves forward, it will bring a new era of transportation in Morgantown, improving traffic flow and safety at this crucial intersection. The community will be closely watching the progress and hoping for a successful outcome.