DOH: Roads in around Kanawha Valley nearly plowed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Roads in and around the Kanawha Valley are making progress on clearing roads that were covered by more than a foot-and-a-half of snow in last week’s storm, said DOH Spokesman Brent Walker.

“On the secondary road side we’re either at 100 percent (plowed) or close to it,” Walker said. “On the third priority routes in some of the more rural counties, Clay County; Boone County; we’re between 65 and 85 percent clear there.”

Walker said that in most parts of Kanawha County, clearing the roads had gone well so far.

“In Kanawha County, our North Charleston area has had a tough time. But some of those other areas, Chelyan, Elkview, St. Albans; we’ve made some good progress.

Walker understood that residents whose roads haven’t been attended to yet may be frustrated, but asked for patience as DOH crews continued their work.

“As soon as the storm stops, we get those calls (from residents),” he said. “Nothing had changed, but folks want to be able to get out and there’s just a process to it. Our guys are leading the way out there and we appreciate the traveling public’s patience. I know it’s frustrating; everybody’s stir crazy.”

Fortunately, the DOH has no shortage of equipment, Walker said.

“We probably have over 100 plows and they come in different forms, of course,” Walker said. “You’ve got endloaders, backhoes, graters, one-ton trucks; single axle trucks.”

After five days out of school, Kanawha County Schools will be able to resume classes on Thursday.