Anderson Excavating to Clear 75 Miles of Roads This Winter

Anderson Excavating is set to clear approximately 75 miles of roads in Monongalia County this winter, following the approval of a contract by the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH). The contract, awarded on November 21, is part of a new pilot program established by House Bill 2960, which seeks to enhance snow removal and ice control efforts in both Monongalia and Preston counties.

According to Earl Gaskins, District 4 Manager of the WVDOH, the company is in the process of preparing for the upcoming winter season. “As far as we’re concerned, everything on our end has been completed. We’re just waiting on them,” Gaskins stated. He mentioned that Anderson Excavating is currently sourcing necessary materials, such as salt, and is expected to be operational within the next week or two.

Contract Details and Financial Limits

Anderson Excavating’s responsibilities will focus on specific roads, including portions of Cheat Road, Tyrone Road, Kingwood Pike, Stewartstown Road, West Virginia 7, and U.S. 119. The contractor’s payment will be structured based on the number of weather events worked, with a total not exceeding $3 million for the winter season. Gaskins acknowledged that it would require a particularly severe winter to reach that financial cap.

The WVDOH plans to monitor the pilot program closely, assessing both the costs and effectiveness of utilizing private vendors for snow removal. This approach mirrors a previous initiative in 2024 to contract out ditching and maintenance work, a strategy the agency had previously resisted.

Last year, Anderson Excavating secured a $2.2 million contract for ditching work across Monongalia, Preston, and Harrison counties, showcasing their ongoing involvement in regional infrastructure projects.

Driving Community Safety and Efficiency

The primary goal of these efforts, as emphasized by Gaskins, is to enhance community safety through quicker road treatment. “Our goal is always to serve the community, and we’ll try any efforts we can. If we have an option out there to better serve the citizens and get the roads treated quickly, then we’re going to take advantage of that,” he said. This sentiment reflects a collaborative effort between the WVDOH and local elected officials to develop practical solutions for improving road safety during winter conditions.

Gaskins also noted that discussions about engaging outside contractors intensified due to staffing challenges within the agency. Although the WVDOH has since filled many of these vacancies, he reiterated the persistent need for timely road treatment during adverse weather. “There’s always going to be a need to treat the roads quickly,” he added.

As the winter season approaches, Anderson Excavating’s work is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining road safety in Monongalia County, marking an important step forward in the state’s approach to snow and ice management.