UPDATE: Pieces of Bridge Break Through Woman's Car
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Updated: 12:36 PM Feb 22, 2010
UPDATE: Pieces of Bridge Break Through Woman's Car
A spokesperson with the Department of Highways tells WSAZ.com that Little Utah Road is not under the state's jurisdiction.
Posted: 12:36 PM Feb 22, 2010
Reporter: Andrew Colegrove
Email Address: Andrew.Colegrove@wsaz.com
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RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A spokesperson with the Department of Highways tells WSAZ.com that Little Utah Road is not under the state's jurisdiction.

Lisa Sellers was crossing a deteriorating bridge on Little Utah Road, just outside of Ravenswood, when one of the boards over the bridge went through the bottom of her car, and straight into her trunk.

The road was originally considered an orphan road, but in 2000 the state said it would take it over.

However, in 2006 the state stopped maintaining the road because it did not get the proper signatures from all the adjourning property owners to make the road part of the state's highway system, according to Brent Walker.

The road is still considered an orphan road.


JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- We expect to drive along roads and across bridges, not have the structure come along for the ride.

Lisa Sellers was crossing a deteriorating bridge on Little Utah Road, just outside of Ravenswood, when one of the boards over the bridge went through the bottom of her car, and straight into her trunk.

Sellers realizes how lucky she is that it didn't pierce her gas tank, or impale her.

"If it would have came up the floor board, or where the gas pedal is , i probably wouldn't have been here.. would have stabbed me right through the chest."

Brent Walker, Spokesman for the Department of Highways, says that sometimes roads like these are referred to as "orphan roads," meaning it could have at one time been privately owned, then abandoned.

Walker says they will look to see if Little Utah Road is in the state system, to see what they can do to help.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Amarie on Feb 24, 2010 at 03:19 PM

You're wrong about the stereotype in Ravenswood, don't get me wrong, we have some lazy people who want something for nothing, but that's not a hillbilly thing, that is a human thing. I happen to be an accountant and I live in Ravenswood, I have lived there all of my life, and have worked since I turned 16 from Parkersburg down to Charleston, and I have payed to have our roads paved too. I am not the only one, and many of us "taxpayers" would agree that you are no better than us just because you moved to the big city. We work, we pay taxes, just the same as you. And I asked you if you paved your own roads, not if you payed someone else to do it. You implied that us country folk should be out there paving it ourselves, and not being so lazy....
Posted by: Take care of your own II on Feb 23, 2010 at 08:53 PM

Regretfully, Most of the stereotypes that exist about the rural areas of WV are true. I love WV. I think some of the best people in the world live there. I wanted my family to have a better life so we moved to Charlotte. The reason city streets are so much better are the density of taxpayers in the city and populated areas. If you live in the country you will not have the same quality. living there has good and bad results. And as far as if I pay for my roads to be paved. Yes I do. I also help pay for yours. I pay my fair share of taxes for my properties here in Charlotte and in Kanawha County.
Posted by: Harmony on Feb 22, 2010 at 10:09 PM

I have wondered many times as to why the U.S looks at our region so negative,and then it hit me.It's because of people like"Take Care of your own"that live amoungst us and is always sterotyping ANY situation that happens to our region."A bridge broke" people say"trailers, hillbillies,and walfare are the main reason this happened".It is a fREAKING bridge people!If they want to give me the bridge and the surrounding land,I will fix it.The person who needs to fix it is the owner,if he/she can't afford to fix it tear it down and let the people use an alternate route.If no one owns it,it should become the property of that city AND the people.They should be made to pay a user fee like Huntington to maintain their roads{a few bucks a pay check]If they want to work in that town and use the jobs,they need to pay for the roads they drive on to get to and from work. EVERYONE included,I do not care if there is just ONE house out that road everyone deserves safe and maintained streets and bridges.
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