Officials with Triton Construction, WVDOH, and the City of Wheeling:
It’s going to take some time to get used to the changes, and that’s why we’ve seen at least three motorists this past week who have needed assistance after driving into one of downtown’s new bioswales.
It’s different. Really different.
And, for the most part, the drivers of those vehicles – and the others who have somehow ended up with a wheel or two trapped in one of those concrete canyons – have walked away unscathed from the unfortunate navigation, but we believe there is one particular area of the beautification that needs additional attention.
The sign states, “2 NORTH – 18TH Street – Downtown – EXIT ONLY”, and it’s the exit into downtown Wheeling from US Route 250/W.Va. Route 2. The offramp empties onto Eoff Street, and at the end of the ramp there are streetscaped areas on both sides of the roadway.
The existence of the bioswale on the right, we believe, needs to be made more obvious before something tragic takes place. Sure, during the daytime and when vegetation is growing, it’s waaaay easier to detect the design, but at night? And during our barren winters?
Of course, the stormwater-collecting bioswale is more than a foot deep, and exiting motorists usually travel at least 25-35 MPH. The combination of the two could result in something very bad, and if we can do something to avoid such a scenario, we should do it before it’s too late. It’s obvious, judging from the black tire marks already present on the curb in question, that folks are having issues with it now.
It’s a simple fix, too: A bright yellow curb, as displayed in the above image, and if it can be made reflective, even better.
Thank you for your time, and for your consideration.
Sincerely,
The Suggestion Box
