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WEIRTON -- A recent vehicle crash which kept traffic tied up for several hours has reinvigorated a debate as to whether a secondary access road is needed for the Marland Heights area of Weirton.
The issue was discussed as part of departmental reports at Weirton Council's April 10 meeting, with City Manager Mike Adams noting he had received questions from Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone and several neighborhood residents.
While construction of a new road isn't likely at this point, city officials believe they have found a way to ensure Marland Heights residents continue to have fire protection and medical services available in the event of another closure.
"There's a path that goes from Brookline and winds its way up the hill to the back of Marland Heights Park," Adams explained.
Plans call for a lockable gate to be installed at the end of Brookline Drive, with a crew from the Weirton Fire Department to be dispatched to the Marland Heights fire station, using the department's utility vehicle, by way of the path, in the event of an emergency situation.
"We always keep a fire engine up there," noted Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick.
In addition, as part of their training, all members of the fire department receive certification in emergency medical training.
Adams explained, even with a gate in place, the path will remain available for recreational uses.
"People can still hike up there," Adams said. "It will still be walkable."
Himmelrick said it may be difficult to prevent motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from using the path with the gate, but it should keep larger vehicles from accessing the area.
"It's not another access road, but it is a stopgap," Adams said.
A portion of property along the path previously had belonged to the Weirton Woman's Club, but was accepted by the city in 2009 through a resolution passed by council, according to Adams, who explained, for whatever reason, the deed had not been signed making the deal official. Adams said the club's current president rectified the oversight the same day as the council meeting.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)