
Update on Davis Avenue Bridge Replacement
On June 3, 2025, Elkins city officials attended a meeting with representatives from the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) and Mannik Smith Group, the general contractor leading the design phase for the future Davis Avenue Bridge.
The City of Elkins is now in the early stages of preparing to close the 70-year-old Davis Avenue Bridge. The DOH and Mannik Smith Group are currently designing a replacement for the bridge, which connects south Elkins to downtown. The City and DOH aim to complete the project before the 2027 Mountain State Forest Festival.
As of press time, Mannik Smith, the contractor selected by the DOH, is expected to finalize the preliminary design in fall 2025. At that time, the City of Elkins and the public will have an opportunity to review the plans and provide feedback. The final design and construction timeline will be announced by June 2026.
A commitment to safe and timely construction
Currently, DOH’s goal is to use a turnkey construction approach (“get in and get out”) to complete the project in less than one year. Phased construction, the alternative approach, would take significantly longer—a major concern given the bridge’s role as a critical thoroughfare for vehicles and pedestrians.
Under the current timeline, construction would begin after the 2026 Mountain State Forest Festival and finish before the 2027 festival. The new bridge’s design, now approximately 30% complete, includes lighting for vehicles and pedestrians, wider shoulders for cyclists, and new abutments on both sides of the Tygart Valley River.
While the City of Elkins owns the Davis Avenue Bridge, a DOH program will cover the majority of the estimated $4 million replacement cost. Like many communities across West Virginia, Elkins faces infrastructure challenges—the state has one of the highest percentages of structurally deficient bridges in the nation. According to a June 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation report, nearly 19% of West Virginia’s 7,300+ bridges were rated in “poor” condition.
The DOH’s funding commitment means the City of Elkins will not have to shoulder the financial burden of a $4 million project—a relief for Elkins’ citizens given the city’s annual budget of approximately $6.5 million.
However, several challenges remain. The city and DOH must coordinate the relocation of a major gas line, address any impacts on the adjacent privately owned properties, modify stormwater and sewer systems, and decide on how to include pedestrian access to the planned riverside walking trails.
Looking Ahead
The City of Elkins remains committed to working closely with the DOH, Mannik Smith Group, and the community to ensure a smooth transition during this vital infrastructure project. Public input will play a key role in shaping the final design, and updates will be shared as the project progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official channels and participate in upcoming opportunities for feedback.
For more information, visit this page, which the City will update as more information becomes available.

Senator Nation’s Been There for Us – So Let’s Support D&E Athletics!
Update: Tomorrow, Saturday, September 13: Senator Nation’s women’s tennis will hit the court to play against Geneva College. MEC All-Conference player Liebe Oosthuizen and MEC Freshman Lilly Wentzler are among those competing. Matches start at 1:00 p.m. at the Thomas Tennis Center […]
Read More
City Hall News: Week of September 14, 2025
Elkins, WV, September 12, 2025: The City of Elkins reminds its residents to sign up for emergency alerts. Residents with mobile phones can receive important alerts including weather warnings and water outages. They will also receive reminders about changes to city services […]
Read More
Interactive Map for the Mountain State Forest Festival
Here is a tentative interactive map for the Mountain State Forest Festival, this year occurring September 27-October 5, 2025. This map is to be used as a guide for the carnival, parade routes, and parking/non-parking areas in and around the downtown Elkins […]
Read More
Community Partnership Brings New Autumn Lights to Elkins for Forest Festival
Elkins, WV, September 10, 2025: Downtown Elkins will soon glow with a new display of autumn charm in time for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival. Two local banks have agreed to fund the cost of 30 new decorative street pole lights […]
Read More
Elkins Unites for Healing on National Save a Life Day
The community of Elkins will host an event in recognition of Save a Life Day, which will be observed nationwide on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The event, which focuses on education about substance use disorder and community resources for recovery, occurs at City Park from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. […]
Read More
Stay Informed, Stay Safe: Elkins Urges Residents to Sign Up for WENS Emergency Text Alerts
In the wake of recent flooding across West Virginia, we emphasize the critical role of instant communication for public safety. The City of Elkins is making a direct appeal to all residents: Sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS). This […]
Read More