Bridging Communities by Improving Infrastructure
From The Governor’s Desk
A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin
Today, I had the pleasure of joining local and state officials for a ribbon cutting dedication of the newly restored Ross Booth Memorial Bridge. Formally known to many as the Winfield Toll Bridge, the bridge was renamed in 2006 after carpenter Ross Booth who helped with its construction.
In December 1957, the Winfield Toll Bridge was opened to traffic and ended a 138-year era of ferryboat transportation across the Kanawha River. Since then, this bridge has contributed to the tremendous amount of business development and population growth for Putnam County and surrounding areas. After providing more than 50 years of service, it was time to restore this vital community structure.
I appreciate the public’s patience dealing with the detours and delays that took time away from daily travel schedules during this construction process. But because the contractor finished the work earlier than scheduled, motorists are now able to get back to their normal routines and routes.
Orders Construction Company worked a very aggressive schedule. Nearly 100 employees worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to have the bridge finished before the start of this school year.
I know that every construction project takes patience from residents and businesses, but when complete, the benefits are great.
Transportation is one of the most critical services that must be sustained in West Virginia and across the nation. Since I’ve been in office as governor, we have dedicated more than $4 billion to our Division of Highways - funding that has gone into highway infrastructure in all our state’s counties.
From commerce to tourism to day-to-day travel for our citizens, West Virginia’s progress relies heavily on having sound roads, highways and bridges. Until 50 years ago, this bridge was the missing piece of the puzzle for the people of Red House, Winfield, Putnam County and the surrounding region. Today, it is an economic lifeline into these communities.