The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) held a public meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, to discuss proposed High Street improvements. The meeting was sponsored by the Corporation of Harpers Ferry, and held at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church.
“High Street is the mecca of this region in West Virginia, it's what everyone comes to see, it's our crown jewel,” said resident Christian Pechuekouis. “Eighty-five percent of income in this area comes from tourism, and that street needs to be safe. Right now it's just not; if it's too crowded, I'll walk in the street.”
Open style formatting of the meeting gave people the opportunity to voice their thoughts on the possibility of the proposal happening in the historic town.
Mayor Gregory Vauhn and members of the Corporation of Harpers Ferry were in attendance, along with residents and local business owners. Attendees shared a variety of opinions, from support for improved walkability to concerns about preserving the town’s historic significance.
The scope of the project includes 291 linear feet of work along the north side of High Street between Hog Alley and Public Way. It would shift roadway alignment between the two streets two feet to the south, and widen the existing sidewalk equivalently. Included with that would be a new 12-inch-thick retaining wall, and metal railing.
Residents and others who were unable to attend are encouraged to submit comments online by Saturday, May 17, 2025 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18LOgQp8bOLgJxjqpArF3hf7m6p4dzqQ9bV56yBFmIiw.
To learn more information about the proposed project visit https://transportation.wv.gov/highways/Planning/comment/Pages/default.aspx.
