Published: May 13, 2009 11:11 am      

Road repairs under way

Limited water service back on tap in Rhodell

Raleigh County work crews and residents dug through mud and flood debris again Tuesday, with road crews working to repair a notorious bridge and one town finally receiving limited water service after three days.

Workers from the state Division of Highways worked to repair a bridge on Devil’s Fork Road in Amigo. Even before Saturday morning’s heavy rain and flooding totally blocked the roadway near the Wyoming County line, the bridge had been the site of numerous accidents.

Dale Hughart, DOH supervisor for Raleigh County, said he and his workers were called out at 5 a.m. Saturday. First, they had to clear out at least two mudslides in the Tams area to even reach Amigo. When they finally arrived, they could not get past Devil’s Fork Road’s first bridge.

The second bridge presented the most problems. As of 2 p.m. Saturday, that one — a bridge constructed of five concrete pipes, situated at an angle and with a 15 mph speed limit — was impassible, Hughart said. DOH crews managed to clear one lane by the evening so residents living past the bridge could get out.

Hughart said the bridge, in the past, had been especially hazardous in the winter. Its angular design combined with slick roadways often caused vehicles to slide off. Last fall, a guard rail was installed, and no problems were reported after that.

Saturday’s flooding, though, washed away the guard rail, Hughart said.

This week, Hughart said, crews have back-filled the bridge’s pipes, put down new gravel and filled in a washed-out ditch. Hughart hopes that by next week’s end, a contractor should arrive to repave the bridge and install a new guard rail.

This bridge, he noted, has been studied by the DOH for possible installation of a “standard bridge” that is not at such a sharp angle. However, funding issues, the area not handling high traffic and only a dozen houses being past it are obstacles.

Other damage in the area included several pipes being washed away. Hughart said DOH crews replaced them and with larger pipes that should handle a larger water flow. Several houses had about 2-3 feet of water inside.

Devil’s Fork Road, he noted, has been a flood-prone area for several years. Its location near mountains, old strip mines and a creek makes it particularly vulnerable. But he also acknowledged other counties received a much more painful blow. He said initial estimates show Raleigh County roads have $90,000 in damages, while Wyoming County’s road damage is “easily” in the millions.

“I’ve been here for 33 years, and I’ve worked six or seven floods on this road,” he said. “People here who are lifelong residents know that when there’s a flash flood watch to get their cars across this bridge and park them.

“But we’re lucky the damage was confined to this area. Those poor people in Wyoming County ...”

Denver Halstead, a resident of Devil’s Fork Road, said most of the area was basically underwater Saturday. But he considers himself lucky because most water stayed out of his home.

“I’m not one to complain,” he said. “I had to clean mud off the sidewalks and out of the garage. I’m lucky.”

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Water is on in the town of Rhodell after residents lost service Saturday, according to Marty Agee, deputy director of the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center. However, the water should not yet be used for drinking and probably not for personal hygiene use. It can be used for household purposes after it is boiled.

The EOC brought a load of drinking water to Rhodell Monday, and it should take another today, Agee said. The pick-up area for the water will be near town hall. Today, the EOC will also place trash bins in both Rhodell and Amigo that will only be used for flood debris. No household trash will be accepted. The Rhodell bin should be located near town hall, and in Amigo, somewhere alongside Devil’s Fork Road.

Cleaning supplies were also delivered to affected residents, Agee said.

Some Rhodell residents may still have no phone service, Agee noted.

Capt. Bob Cornett of The Salvation Army in Beckley said his organization needs monetary donations most because they are handling mass feeding and providing lodging for several flood victims. Cleaning supplies are also being accepted, but he said the organization is not receiving clothing donations.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army’s thrift store at 600 S. Fayette St. in Beckley, Cornett said. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Also, monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1573, Beckley, WV 25802.

The American Red Cross is also accepting financial donations by phone at 304-255-1508 or by mail at the American Red Cross Raleigh County Office, P.O. Box 1598, Beckley, WV 25802. The Red Cross does not take used or bulk items.

The Beckley Dream Center, a nonprofit and faith-based organization located behind the Church of God Family Worship Center on Pinewood Drive, has also delivered supplies to affected residents, Agee noted.

Those with any damage to their actual living quarters should also report this to the EOC by calling 304-255-0911, Agee said.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com