They include increasing population and tourist visits, traffic volume, safety and roadway deficiencies. The population of Jefferson County has steadily increased for the past 30 years. A great deal of the development, which has occurred in the project area, is a result of the need for affordable housing by residents employed in the Washington, DC area. Furthermore, the scenic beauty and historical significance of the area has greatly increased the tourism industry. The analysis of the current two-lane road indicates the entire portion of the Route 9 study area will operate at an unacceptable level of service in each direction for both base year 1992 and design year 2012.
Improved safety is a primary purpose of the project.
The results of a study comparing accidents on this segment of Route 9, with annual statewide averages, clearly shows the need for upgrading of Route 9. The study documents that the number of accidents on the present Route 9 are 86 percent higher than the statewide average and fatalities being 24 percent higher than the statewide average. Existing Route 9 was originally designed as a rural collector road in 1930. The ACHP has also asked for additional clarification on some of the reported findings as to noise, location, height and proximity of the highway to historic sites. The West Virginia Division of Highways will make this submission in early March.