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NPS Contractors Will Repair Cunard and Glade Creek Roads “We know that many area residents have been anxious to see the Glade Creek Road open again, and we are pleased to announce that repairs are underway,” announced Debbie Darden, Acting Superintendent for New River Gorge National River. The National Park Service (NPS) was forced to close the Glade Creek Road in 2003 when heavy rains caused a series of landslides across the road. Located near Prince, WV, the first mile of the gravel route was repaired and opened in 2005, permitting access to the Grandview Sandbar campground and river access site. “Now, work has begun on the remaining 4.5 miles, all the way to the Glade Creek Campground, trailhead and river access,” Darden continued. Orders Construction Company, a West Virginia contractor from St. Albans, WV, is expected to complete the project in about 8 months. Darden explained that “the public may bicycle or hike on the road when the contractor is not working, which will be Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, unless otherwise posted. The Glade Creek Campground may also be used, but campers must carry out all trash.” Another NPS contractor, Ahern and Associates from South Charleston, WV, will begin work in early March on the Cunard Road, near Fayetteville. “This project will widen the entire length of the Cunard Road to accommodate two-way traffic,” said Darden. Heavily used by buses and private vehicles during the summer paddling season, the steeper sections of this road have deteriorated. Until March 31, 2007, the Cunard Road will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, hikers and bicyclists. From April 1 through October 31, the road will be open to the public, but the contractor will control traffic by using flagmen and traffic control devices. Some short periods of delay can be expected. Late next year, the Cunard road will again be closed to all traffic, including vehicles, hikers and bicyclists, from November 1, 2007 until March 31, 2008. |
Last updated: February 26, 2015