WEIRTON — While no solution has been found in 70 years, city officials have pledged to, once again, look into the possibility of creating a second public access to the Marland Heights neighborhoods of Weirton.

The issue was raised during the Aug. 11 meeting of Weirton Council, where Mayor Dean Harris, responding to questions from a resident, offered to return to the subject.

Several studies have been performed on behalf of the city through the years, though none have found a viable option — either financially or to the satisfaction of residents — for a second roadway.

“I think it’s warranted to look at the studies again,” Harris said, noting he and Ward 5 Councilwoman Brittany Holloway, both residents of Marland Heights, already have had discussions on the topic.

Currently, Marland Heights Road is the only roadway for civilian motor vehicle traffic to access the hilltop neighborhood.

An emergency pathway, for use by the Weirton Fire Department in the event Marland Heights Road is closed or blocked, was developed in 2023. Firefighters can access the area through a locked gate at the end of Brookline Drive, allowing them to travel by utility vehicle to Marland Heights to use existing equipment at the fire station located at the intersection of Brightway Street and Euclid Avenue.

The pathway, whose other end is located near Marland Heights Park, also can be used by pedestrians.

Harris noted one of the earliest studies, performed in 1955, looked into the possibility of constructing a road leading down the hill from Marland Heights into the Half Moon Industrial Park.

A July 1973 article from The Weirton Daily Times cited a preference for access through the Half Moon area, estimating a $525,000 cost at the time.

Harris noted the National Guard had been brought into Weirton to assist with the idea during his previous mayoral administration.

Cindy Parker, the resident who raised the question last week, pointed to other previous suggestions of using Heaslett Avenue, which potentially could connect with State Street.

“Not having a second road affects our safety and property value,” Parker said.

Parker expressed concern with the safety of Marland Heights Road itself, questioning the stability of the hillsides bordering the road.

Planning and Development Director Mark Miller, though, said contractors have been keeping an eye on the area.

“They installed monitoring stations at, I believe, six points,” Miller said, noting an in-person visit is scheduled for next month, and comparison of archived photos shows no visible change.