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The barrels have officially returned to the Veterans Memorial Bridge (though some never left) following the announcement of yet another lengthy maintenance project on the span.
It's a scene we've become accustomed to during the last few years, but this time there is an additional complication as the W.Va. Department of Highways also has closed the exit ramp leading from the bridge to state Route 2 south.
According to the official announcement, the work is scheduled to run through May 31, but these maintenance projects have been extended by days and even weeks in the past, depending on weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
It's no secret that the maintenance work on this bridge has resulted in traffic backups and vehicle crashes, a few of which, sadly, have resulted in fatalities.
Most of the time, officials have noted, those crashes are the result of drivers not paying attention, speeding or being impatient as they pass through the area.
With that in mind, remember that as you travel through the work zone to take additional precautions during the next few months. Drivers need to pay special attention to those around them as well as their own actions while behind the wheel. There are certain to be sudden lane changes by some drivers, and you may have to act quickly to respond.
Keep an eye open for warnings on road conditions and the potential for backups along U.S. Route 22.
Most of all, be patient. No one enjoys the delays and difficulties caused by this project, but it only makes the situation worse when drivers rush out in front of a line of cars or get angry at others because the flow of traffic isn't going the way they would like. For those traveling from Ohio and who want to head south on Route 2, follow the posted detour, which will take you to the Harmon Creek exit and back onto Route 22 where there is a straight shot to the Route 2 south exit.
Compounding the matter is that the Market Street Bridge is not open and can't help alleviate some of the issues that have been associated with the ongoing work.
Above all, remember that this is an active work zone, and it is incumbent on everyone to keep themselves, other drivers and their passengers and the road crew workers and members of law enforcement safe as the project continues.