CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Division of Highways crews are working to repair widespread damage after heavy rains and flooding swept through parts of the state beginning Monday, June 22.
In Boone County, District 1 crews spent the week assessing washouts and rebuilding sections of James Branch Road near Wharton, where localized flooding severely undercut the roadway.
“The roadway up and down this holler has been undercut tremendously by the creek,” Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh said while visiting the site. “There are some areas where it’s even dangerous to be on the road at all.”
Rumbaugh said residents have been patient as crews work to restore access.
“It’s a sad tragedy that things like this happen,” he said. “The folks up here are being great to work with and gracious to allow us to get in here and get this work done so we can get their lives back to normal.”
On Tuesday and Wednesday, WVDOH hauled in truckloads of rock to rebuild the washed‑out roadbed and stabilize the creek bank.
“We have seven trucks hauling shot rock to reinforce the roadway so it’ll be safe to travel on,” said District 1 Maintenance Assistant Russell Hoover. “We’re trying to get the road opened up so residents can safely get out.”
Hoover said reopening the road is critical for emergency vehicles, utility crews and residents needing supplies.
Flooding also damaged several nearby roads and bridges. On Shawnee Trail, just off WV 85, a bridge was torn from its abutments and thrown into the creek. On Cow Creek Road, pavement was peeled up and shredded after floodwaters turned the roadway into a channel.
WVDOH crews will continue repairs in the coming days as assessments continue across the region.
