CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Crews will begin field work Thursday on the construction of a new bridge to Crossings Mall in Elkview, almost 10 months after the previous bridge collapsed.
Tara Retail Group, the mall’s property owners, is responsible for the construction and financing of the structure.
The old bridge was destroyed in the June 2016 flood, resulting in more than 500 people losing their jobs at and around the mall.
Commission President Kent Carper said he is happy to see work begin.
“Their engineers are on the scene,” he said. “It’s goods news for the Elkview community.”
The Kanawha County Commission requested a hearings in March on financing a new bridge. Carper said construction will take two months based on weather conditions and the fabrication process.
“I’ve been very critical of the owner, but I will at least say that I’m glad that are getting started,” he said.
According to Carper, some Crossings Mall businesses are determined to reopen their stores at the mall.