West Virginia Medical Access Roads Program announced

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Sections of Winchester Avenue and North Tennessee Avenue in the Martinsburg area and part of U.S. 340 between Harpers Ferry and Halltown in Jefferson County have been included in a road maintenance program aimed at improving public access to medical facilities, the West Virginia Division of Highways announced on Monday.

Upper Clubhouse Drive in the Shannondale Subdivision in Jefferson County and Magnolia-Detour Road in Morgan County also have been identified as Medical Access Roads Program projects, according to the state DOH.

In order to be eligible for $50 million in federal CARES Act funding, the projects, located in all 55 counties, must be completed by the end of 2020, the DOH said in a news release.

"These projects focus heavily on paving, drainage, slips, slides, and any other issue that may make it difficult for emergency personnel to respond to calls," Gov. Jim Justice said in the news release.

"We want to correct these issues and provide ease of access to medical services for all West Virginians."

Local emergency medical professionals and county emergency services officials were consulted in vetting and prioritizing the projects, according to the DOH.

Work to repair the selected areas will begin immediately, the DOH said.

“These projects not only meet the criteria, but also provide real improvements to roads used by our citizens and first responders,” said West Virginia Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Jimmy Wriston.

“It’s the Division’s honor to be able to contribute to providing enhanced access to medical facilities during this time of heightened concern for health and safety. When these projects are complete, it will be one less worry for people.”