I-79 HAS DEADLY STRETCH IN HARRISON COUNTY

(08/12/2005)

If you're driving I-79 near Jane Lew and Lost Creek, you've likely felt a little uneasy at 70 miles per hour. The stretch has had at least 152 accidents during the past five years, according to the WV Department of Transportation. DOT plans to study the winding stretch of Interstate 79 in Harrison County, including two recent fatal crashes. The two fatal accidents occurred on July 29 and August 3 near the Lost Creek exit. "Something's wrong," said Nutter Fort Fire Chief Tom Rohrbough. "I mean, two fatalities in a week -- something's got to give." There are several options that could be pursued, such as lowering the speed limit, repaving or regrading the road, or installing signs warning truck drivers that their vehicles could roll over. State Police Sgt. W.J. Bramer said he believes the spate of accidents are probably due to driver error rather than a road defect, drivers trying to hit 85 mph on the interstate. However, drivers who are acquainted with the stretch, say the curves become challenging, and there is likely something wrong with the grade.

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