EDA: Community on a roll; several projects completed, more underway

Bridge work is nearing completion at two locations – over the South Fork of the Shenandoah on Front Royal’s northside (pictured here heading south) and at Morgan’s Ford. Royal Examiner File Photo/Roger Bianchini

Motorists found an unexpectedly easy drive into and out of Front Royal Monday, December 4, but the worst may be yet to come – also perhaps, the best.

As equipment lined up beneath the South Fork bridge December 6 to complete, after missing the project deadline, the paving of the $72.2 million span, Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley was optimistic that the area’s second bridge project at Morgan’s Ford (announced cost about $10 million) would be completed ahead of the targeted May 18, 2018, completion date (perhaps by year’s end?).

In the current issue of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) News, Stanley reported: “Work is … progressing ahead of schedule on the long-awaited Morgan Ford Bridge replacement … that will provide a safe crossing and connection between the Rockland and Howellsville area of the county.”  It will also provide an alternative (to Route 340/522) drive into the town for residents of the Fairground Road/Rockland area and more direct access for some area emergency services vehicles.

Pier construction is finished as appear to be bridge beams, preparatory to “pouring the (bridge) deck.  We hold out hope that they can stay ahead of schedule and complete the project earlier,” Stanley said.

As always in the construction industry, the weather – current forecast is a change for the worse – will be a large contributing factor.

Things have progressed mightily at Morgan’s Ford since this photo was taken during high water that slowed things up in the spring. Courtesy Photo/Ty Edwards

The EDA report also listed almost a dozen town and county projects completed or underway as the year 2017 draws to a close.  Among them, Leach Run Parkway, a four-lane divided road that provides direct access to the new Warren County Middle School, described as “the prettiest (roadway) in the community.”

Also, several Main Street renovations are noted, as well as forward movement on the Avtex site by ITFederal; and the new police department headquarters on Kendrick Lane.

In the county site preparation is underway north of Crooked Run Shopping Center for Royal Farms, a mixed use commercial center including a gas station, convenience store and restaurant.  Hotel construction is well underway across the highway.

“Our community is on a roll … 2017 projects online and more underway,” the EDA publication says.