ELKINS — The replacement of the Davis Avenue Bridge may not begin until the fall of 2026 and be finished by the fall of 2027, according to Elkins officials.

The City of Elkins announced it is now in the “early stages” of work in the long-awaited plan to reconstruct the 70-year-old Davis Avenue Bridge, which connects south Elkins to downtown. A city press release said Elkins and the West Virginia Department of Highways “aim to complete the project before the 2027 Mountain State Forest Festival.”

“Like many communities across West Virginia, Elkins faces infrastructure challenges — the state has one of the highest percentages of structurally deficient bridges in the nation,” the statement reads. “According to a June 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation report, nearly 19% of West Virginia’s 7,300+ bridges were rated in ‘poor’ condition.”

On June 3, city officials attended a meeting with representatives from the DOH and Mannik Smith Group, the general contractor selected by the state which is leading the design phase for the Davis Avenue Bridge. 

Smith is expected to finalize the preliminary design for the bridge this fall. At that time, the City of Elkins and the public will have an opportunity to “review the plans and provide feedback.” The final design and construction timeline will be announced by June 2026, officials said.

The statement explained that DOH’s goal is to use a “turnkey construction” approach, also known as “get in and get out,” to complete the project in less than one year. The alternative approach of phased construction is said to take significantly longer, which the City calls a “major concern given the bridge’s role as a critical thoroughfare for vehicles and pedestrians.”

“Under the current timeline, construction would begin after the 2026 Mountain State Forest Festival and finish before the 2027 festival,” the statement reads. “The new bridge’s design, now approximately 30% complete, includes lighting for vehicles and pedestrians, wider shoulders for cyclists and new abutments on both sides of the Tygart Valley River.”

While the City of Elkins owns the Davis Avenue Bridge, a DOH program will cover the majority of the estimated $4 million replacement cost, the release said. The funding commitment from the DOH means the Elkins “will not have to shoulder the financial burden” of the project, which the City called a “relief” for citizens as the city’s annual budget is approximately $6.5 million.

Several challenges still remain in the project, however, such as coordination with the DOH in regard to the relocation of a major gas line, as well as addressing any impacts on the adjacent privately owned properties, the statement reads. Other issues include the modification of stormwater and sewer systems and deciding on “how to include pedestrian access to the planned riverside walking trails.”

“The City of Elkins remains committed to working closely with the DOH, Mannik Smith Group and the community to ensure a smooth transition during this vital infrastructure project,” the statement reads. “Public input will play a key role in shaping the final design, and updates will be shared as the project progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official channels and participate in upcoming opportunities for feedback.”