West Virginia Department of Highways rejects installation of emergency vehicle warning system along Route 2

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Brooke County Commission expressed its disappointment with the decision of the West Virginia Department of Highways to reject the installation of a crucial emergency vehicle warning system along Route 2.

According to the Brooke County Commission, the proposed system, which included flashing warning lights on poles in both the northbound and southbound lanes, was intended to alert drivers when an ambulance exits the station to respond to an emergency.

Officials say the system is designed to save lives by preventing accidents at the point where ambulances enter the roadway, but the DOH has decided against permitting the county to install the safety measure.

According to commission officials, they received an email from the Traffic Engineering Division in Charleston, which stated that they “do not want to permit the installation of these actuated warning signs, because in their view, the current sight distance ‘meets standards.'”

Commission officials say the engineering division stated they “typically only consider such safety measures when there is significant crash data to support them.”

The Commission says it is unacceptable that the Department of Highways would wait for accidents, injuries, or fatalities to occur before taking action to protect emergency responders and the public.

The Brooke County Commission says they believe in proactive safety measures – not reactive ones – and cannot stand by as the state prioritizes bureaucratic standards over the safety of their
community.

State Senator Ryan Weld (R-Brooke) expressed his frustration with the decision, stating, “It seems as if in making this decision, DOH has chosen bureaucratic procedure over common sense. I look forward to working with the County Commission to ensure the safety of both EMS personnel and the public.”

State Delegate Jimmy Willis (R-Brooke) echoed these concerns, adding, “When the bureaucracy chooses procedure over public safety it leaves me deeply concerned. I look forward to working with the Commission to find a resolution in this matter to keep people safe.”

The Commission goes on to say that while the Department has agreed to place standard warning signs, they believe this is insufficient. The Commission says the lives of Brooke County residents and EMS personnel are too important to be left to chance.

The Commission says they will continue to push for the implementation of the full safety system they initially proposed and call on the Department of Highways to reconsider their decision before tragedy strikes.

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