Construction in front of the Harrison County Courthouse left pedestrians at South Third Street and West Main Street with an interesting choice: Go about a block out of the way to cross legally, or jaywalk.
On Thursday and Friday, construction netting made it just about impossible to reach the crosswalk across West Main Street or Third Street without walking into the street. (See photo on A11.)
Pedestrians and business people in the area didn't seem to mind too much.
"If you're going to do construction, you have to do it however you're going to have to do it," said Ron Clevenger of nearby Clevenger Real Estate. "You're going to have to do it someway. ... It's just one of those inconveniences like when the state road department is working on a highway. (Then) you have to sit for a period of time with backed up traffic."
Rita Mowery, manager of West Virginia Eyecare, also nearby, said she had received no complaints from customers.
Gary Mills, an employee at nearby men's clothing store Kaites Ltd., noted some precautions had been taken since Thursday.
(Orange netting had been placed to seal off the construction area.)
"But you've got to be careful," he said. "Hopefully people are watching (as they cross) and cars that are coming are watching."
Although the project is in the heart of downtown Clarksburg, police Capt. J.M. Fuscaldo said the project is a county one.
Despite the congestion in the area, the project has caused few problems so far.
"We had some traffic confusion when it first started," Fuscaldo said. "But we've had no big problems.
"I think they have taken safeguards to protect the general public."
County commissioners did not immediately return a message left at their office.
Staff writer Matt Harvey can be reached at 626-1449. Staff writer Paul Darst can be reached at 626-1404.