Commission approves Meadowbrook Bridge bid process, directs staff to focus on completing existing rail-trail segments

The Harrison County Commission on Wednesday approved two separate but related actions on the county’s rail-trail program: it authorized Thrasher engineering to put the Meadowbrook Bridge project out for public bid, and it adopted a motion directing staff to prioritize completion of existing, county-owned trail segments and a funded bridge over the West Fork River.

The first vote authorized Thrasher to publicly advertise the Meadowbrook Bridge project for bid. The motion came after several commissioners and members of the public discussed whether a bridge should be built before connecting trail approaches were completed. Supporters of the bridge said structure work is durable and that bridges are often built first because land ownership and right-of-way do not change as trail surfacing and approaches are completed.

Several commissioners urged caution and said the county should finish segments that are currently unusable because of vegetation and missing connections before spending on new structures. Commissioner discussion referenced prior engineering studies and earlier cost estimates from 2018 that suggested millions would be required to close gaps and build small connecting bridges.

Following that debate, the commission approved a second motion directing staff to concentrate work on specified owned segments and funded projects: finishing the trail between Reynoldsville and Clarksburg, advancing the West Fork bridge project (for which the county has a grant), improving the trail segment between the VA and Lost Creek, and bringing other county-owned segments to passable condition, including work to the Marion County line at Shinnston. Commissioners said those priorities would take precedence over new bridge construction until the county has clearer cost estimates and funding plans.

Commissioners and staff referenced past studies, grant applications and intergovernmental coordination with municipalities. Thrasher engineers and county maintenance staff were identified as responsible for further cost estimates and plans. Commissioners asked staff to compile updated cost estimates for the full set of trail gaps and make them available so the commission could weigh funding decisions.

The votes were not unanimous; commissioners asked for additional documentation and cost breakdowns before committing significant additional funds. Several public commenters, including Lost Creek Mayor Dave Oliverio, urged the commission to maintain and improve existing trail access points and facilities at the southern end of the county.