Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-12-14
THE NEW ROAD EAST.
SOME ADDITIONAL DATA CONCERNING THE
ENTERPRISE.
Belt Line Proposed for Parkersburg-The First
Trip Over the Norfolk and Western Bridge,
News Of the B. & O., and
Other West Virginia Lines.

A gentleman very largely interested
in the proposed new railroad from this
city to the Connellsville coal fields, is
authority for the statement, made yes
terday, that the road would be built be-
yond all reasonable doubt, and that the
first work would be done in 1892. He
said further, that it was improbable
that the people of Wheeling or Of Ohio
county would be asked to vote a dollar
in aid of the enterprise. When asked
for an explanation of that, he said it
was a question whether it would be a
good thing for the Company to accept
aid from the county, and then be tied
down by the provisions OF some ordi-
nance, and that a number OF the pro-
moters OF the Company were OF the
opinion it would be better to raise
all the funds needed indepen-
dent of the county, and be free to make
such arrangements, regulations and
terms as they might deem for the best
interests of the corporation.
1t was further learned that the state
ment that there would be but two three
tunnels on the line was an error. A
route so easy of construction was to be
scarcely hoped for. A gentleman who
is thoroughly conversant with the coun-
try through which the line will pass
said: There will not be less than
eight tunnels, and the number may run
up to dozen. One OF the main consid-
erations will be a short line, and a
short tunnel will often cut off a long
curve. The difference in the cost of
construction, right of way, etc, be-
tween q short tunnel and long curve
around a hill or a series Of hills, Is not
far from even.
The Opening of the KenOva Bridge.
The first trains ran over the new Nor
folk and Western bridge at Kenova, last
Thursday morning. At half-past eight
on that day an engine, tender and ca
boose, the latter containing several Of
ficers of the Company, among them
Chief Engineer Coe., First Assistant
Doane, and Second Assistant Janney,
ran out over the bridge The structure
proved to be perfectly solid, with but
slight detection in the spans. Then,
amid great blowing OF whistles, the
second train, consisting Of twenty box
cars, was taken over. Yesterday an ex-
cursion train was run over the bridge,
going as far as Dunlow, Cabell county.
The bridge was opened for traffic at
noon with the advent Of regular pas
senger trains from Columbus with
through sleeper from Chicago. AT Ke-
nova the train was welcomed by a
throng of people, including
many prominent railroad and state
officials from various sections or the
country. This road will open new
direct grain route from the Northwest
to the Atlantic sea board at Norfolk
and Kenova will Immediately compete
with Pittsburg for share Of the South
ern coal trade. Extensive coal tipples
have been erected on the Ohio
river and fifty miles OF
railroad penetrating the newly
opened West Virginia oil fields will be
operated after to-day. The railroad
Company will operate its West Virginia
and Ohio division from Kenovs, and
have commenced erection Of construc-
ton and repair shops. 1t is expected
that the entire extension to Pocahontas.
Va, will be in operation by next sum-
mer.