The conditions of our roads, bridges, and other infrastructural elements are always a concern as they are vital to the everyday lives of our residents, as well as the commerce of our region.

While West Virginia famously launched its Roads to Prosperity campaign several years ago, leading to what officials have called significant investments, it’s become obvious that more is needed, and, unfortunately, increased costs will most likely limit what realistically can be accomplished.

West Virginia’s new secretary of transportation, Todd Rumbaugh, recently took part in a virtual news conference where he discussed the conditions of the Mountain State’s roadways, noting more funding and more work will be needed to stay ahead of the increasing needs and costs.

According to the report, compiled by TRIP, a national nonprofit organization which studies the United States’ transportation systems, approximately one-third of West Virginia’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Add to that approximately 19 percent of the state’s bridges being in poor condition, and we see we have continued concerns no matter how much money has been pushed toward these projects.

In the Weirton-Steubenville area alone, the study says 35 percent of major roads or in poor condition, which can cost motorists an additional $625 per year on maintaining and operating their vehicles.

We’re entering the warmer months, which typically means an increase in construction zones in our roads, and the possibility of several major projects either returning or getting underway.

The concern now is will there be enough funding to complete those projects, and, if so, how long will they take and how long before crews have to return for additional upkeep?