HUNTINGTON It's not just potholes that aggravate motorists this time of year. With the area beginning to dry out after two months of wet weather, road slips have also become more common, an official with the state Division of Highways says.
"This is not even close to the worst year we have ever had for road slips, but we have experienced more than we usually do," said John Walker, deputy highway engineer for operations at DOH headquarters in Charleston. "This wet season starts making everything more active."
Walker did not have data showing how many road slips there have been in the state this year, and officials with the DOH's District 2 office, which includes Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Mingo and Logan counties, were not available for comment.
However, Walker said District 2, with its numerous streams and tributaries and hilly terrain, is known for road slips.
"It's kind of a juggling act for our district offices," he said. "They are constantly reprioritizing which roads need attention first with the available financial resources."
What roads get fixed first depends on traffic volume, if the road is closed and if the damage could worsen, among other things, Walker said.
To report road slips in Cabell or Wayne counties, call the DOH's District 2 office at (304) 528-5625. To report road slips in the city of Huntington, call the Public Works Department at (304) 696-5903.
