Progress being made to open U.S. Route 60

CHELYAN, W.Va.–Contractors for Appalachian Power at the State Department of Highways are working to reach their goal of having U.S. Route 60 open Friday evening.

On Thursday, two large excavators were used to remove debris from the area above the AEP access road down onto the bench above the road. Most loose material has been removed.

A large crane was used to place a small excavator onto the bench above US 60. The smaller excavator was able to make a landing area for a larger one that was successfully lifted into place.

The equipment on the bench will remove the debris onto U.S. 60 beginning Friday, and a barrier will be installed. The barrier is scheduled to be delivered Friday morning, and the plan is to have it in place by Friday afternoon.

Contractors hope to have one lane of the route open by Friday evening. As of right now, it has been closed for almost 11 days.