Although electricity has been restored to all the residents of Mingo County, the recovery from the recent winter storm that caused major damage to roadways in the county is beyond the capacity of local road crews.

The Mingo County Commission has requested Gov. Joe Manchin approve additional manpower and equipment to help repair damaged roads and remove debris which has rendered some roads impassable.

A major slide on State Rt. 49 near Williamson has caused traffic to be rerouted since it occurred Dec. 23. Mingo County Emergency Services Director Jarrod Fletcher said crews were working at the scene, but as of Thursday morning, he was still remained unsure when the road would be opened.

That slide was at least 20 feet high and 60 to 70 feet long, Fletcher said. Several large rocks will have to be removed as well as work done to reinforce the mountainside where the slide occurred.

‘We are working to try to keep this from happening again,’ he said.

The county commission addressed the damage done to area roads in a letter to the governor, Commissioner David Baisden said travel in the more remote parts of the county is ‘dangerous if not impossible.’

‘We have several trees lying on the roadways in areas such as Ben Creek, Beech Creek and Gilbert Creek that need to be removed to allow traffic to flow safely,’ the letter said. ‘Although they have worked diligently, our road crews do not have enough manpower or equipment to cover all the areas that need assistance.’

The commission said it is concerned for the safety of the citizens of the county.

‘We feel at this time it is inherently dangerous for motorists traveling these roadways,’ Baisden said.