WEIRTON -- City officials are considering changes to some traffic patterns leading out of an increasingly active business plaza.
During Thursday's meeting of the Weirton Traffic Commission, City Manager Mike Adams explained he had been contacted by a resident with concerns with traffic exiting the Three Springs plaza onto Potomac Avenue.
"There are only so many things we can do," Adams said, explaining the business plaza itself is private property, so the city cannot regulate traffic within it.
Of particular concern, Adams said, was traffic exiting onto Potomac from Dairy Queen and from the plaza exit between O'Reilly Auto Parts and McDonald's.
He said a formal traffic study of the area may be needed, but currently is suggesting the possibility of establishing "Right Turn Only" areas at both sites in question. Under such a proposal, which would have to be approved through an ordinance by Weirton Council, traffic exiting the business plaza would only be able to turn right onto Potomac toward Three Springs Drive, while traffic exiting from the Dairy Queen parking lot would turn right onto Potomac and head toward Cove Road.
Adams said he currently doesn't see a need to make adjustments for the area by ALDI or Eat 'n Park's egresses onto Potomac.
Planning and Development Director Mark Miller noted the business plaza has three separate owners, with members of the Traffic Commission suggesting Adams try to meet with all of the property owners involved.
Commissioner Douglas Branham noted this isn't the first time an issue has arisen as a result of development in the plaza.
"There was a line-of-sight issue when they were building O'Reilly," he pointed out, saying he feels there will be increased traffic in the area with the approaching opening of Primanti' Bros. and Chipotle. A Pet Supplies Plus also recently located within the plaza.
Adams said he agrees a meeting with the ownerships will be needed, explaining he already had a brief conversation with one.
"I want to be partnered with them instead of just saying 'This is how it's going to be,'" Adams said.