Bypass work will impact Rt. 9 flow & closes section of Johnson’s Mill Road

by Kate Shunney

Signs in different sections of the U.S 522 Bypass construction path are telling drivers to expect changes in traffic flow in the coming weeks.

Johnson’s Mill Road closed on Monday, June 3 in the area where the four-lane bypass will cross the two-lane road.

The road will be barricaded off .7 of a mile from U.S. 522 and .4 of a mile from the intersection with Fearnow Road.

A dump truck turns off Johnsons Mill Road into the bypass construction area to the south. This part of Johnsons Mill Road will be closed for at least two weeks as the bypass crossing is built.
photo by Kate Shunney

Drivers who normally use that road will have to detour onto Waugh Road or Fearnow Road to reach U.S. 522 or points east while construction is being done.

That closure is expected to last for two weeks, said Ryan Arnold, District 5 Area Engineer for the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH).

“This will allow for completion of the work on Johnsons Mill and the Bypass at their intersection including paving operations,” Arnold said.

Meanwhile, bypass work will also impact traffic flows on Martinsburg Road in the area of the new overpass. Signs say that change will begin on June 6.

“Work will be starting on WV 9 for widening (future turning lanes for bypass). Traffic may see a bit of flagging in off peak traffic hours as the paving is completed. Most of the impact will be limited to the travel lanes shifting left and right as needed to complete the work. Impacts should be minor,” Arnold told The Morgan Messenger last week.