POINT PLEASANT — After many calls and letters, the West Virginia Department of Transportation is going to repave a major portion of W.Va. 62 though Point Pleasant.

According to a spokesperson for the agency, the project is 2.21 miles in length and will start roughly at the traffic light at Third and Viand Streets and end near the traffic light at the intersection of Jackson Ave. and Sandhill Rd.

According to Joe Weiskircher of West Virginia Division of Highways, the project is scheduled to be advertised and let to contract in July with construction hopefully beginning in August. There is no word yet on long it will take to complete the project but as for how much it will cost, the current engineer’s estimate is around $700,000.

Mason County Commission President Rick Handley heard about the news on Wednesday. Handley said the repaving was sorely needed in a town that’s the county seat and home to a roadway which is probably one of the most traveled throughout Mason County.

Back in March, the Mason County Commission sent a letter to Paul Mattox, cabinet secretary of WVDOT, asking him to consider the project after the mayor’s office with the City of Point Pleasant asked for assistance concerning championing the project.

The letter, drafted by County Administrator John Gerlach, states: “Route 62 through Point Pleasant is the city’s main thoroughfare and is very heavily traveled on a daily basis. All of our residents and all of our visitors travel this route which makes it the most heavily traveled highway in Mason County with the exception of Route 35.”

For months, Mayor Brian Billings as well as members of Point Pleasant City Council have been hearing about the poor shape of the main road through town, though what many don’t realize, the road is a state route and therefore falls under state jurisdiction to fix and maintain.

Billings and council members have encouraged not only the county commission but all citizens to call the WVDOT requesting help for paving this main artery through the city. Apparently, something has paid off.

“I am extremely elated that the paving through our city is going to be done,” Billings said. “The numerous letters and phone calls that we made, I hope helped in some way. The Mason County Commissioners also made many, many inquires for paving on W.Va. 62 that’s runs through the city. This is just great news for all who travel through our historic city.”