After more than a decade of planning and preparation, initial construction on the long-awaited sidewalk, or “Path,” is scheduled to begin in November marking an important milestone in a project first initiated in 2014.

The project will establish a five-foot-wide sidewalk along the east side of Duke Street/Kearneysville Pike (Route 480), extending from Minden Street near Shepherdstown Middle School south toward Morgan’s Grove Park.

All aspects of the project are being managed by the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) and its contractor SQP Construction Group, Inc.

As of October 30, SQP representatives have informed the Town that it will begin work near the intersection of Kearneysville Pike and Morgan Grove Road—at the traffic light next to the park—as soon as November 9.

What Residents Can Expect

SQP is coordinating all aspects of the project. The contractor is coordinating arrangements to address traffic issues on the roadway with the State Highway Department—including the possible use of temporary traffic signals when needed.

In addition, SQP has indicated that any work near Shepherdstown Middle School will be coordinated with school operations to help minimize disruptions during busy arrival and departure periods.

Timeline and Updates

Based on initial plans the WV DOH shared with the Town in September, construction is expected to be completed later next spring, but in any case, no later than July 2027.

Weather conditions, particularly during winter, and unforeseen construction challenges, could affect that schedule.

The Town plans to provide regular project updates through its website and the newsletter as it receives information from the State DOH and SQP Construction, including information about significant traffic impacts or schedule changes.

The Town appreciates the community’s patience as this long-anticipated project moves forward!