Emmett Drive in Granville Likely Closed for Minimum of 6 More Weeks

Mayor Patty Lewis says the popular shortcut road will remain shut down as officials assess hillside damage and determine next steps.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Granville Mayor Patty Lewis announced that Emmett Drive, a popular shortcut road in the town, will likely remain closed for a minimum of six more weeks as officials from the town, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Abandoned Mine Lands, and Potesta Engineering assess the damage from a reported rock slide and determine the necessary repairs.

Why it matters

Emmett Drive is a heavily used road that provides a convenient shortcut between University Town Centre Drive and Monongahela Boulevard in Granville. Its closure has caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, and the extended timeline for repairs raises concerns about the stability of the hillside above the road and the potential for further issues.

The details

The road was initially shut down on February 27 due to the reported rock slide. Town officials, including Mayor Lewis, met on-site with representatives from Potesta Engineering and the West Virginia DEP's Office of Abandoned Mine Lands to examine the hillside. They determined that part of the problem is on property belonging to the West Virginia Division of Highways, so the town is awaiting a determination from that state agency in Charleston before moving forward with any repairs.

  • Emmett Drive was initially shut down on February 27, 2026 due to a reported rock slide.
  • On March 9, 2026, Mayor Patty Lewis announced that the road will likely remain closed for a minimum of six more weeks.

The players

Patty Lewis

The mayor of Granville, West Virginia, who announced the extended closure of Emmett Drive and is coordinating with state agencies on the necessary repairs.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Abandoned Mine Lands

A state agency that is assessing the damage to the hillside above Emmett Drive and determining the appropriate next steps for repairs.

Potesta Engineering

An engineering firm that is working with the town of Granville and state agencies to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations for addressing the rock slide and hillside issues.

West Virginia Division of Highways

The state agency that owns a portion of the property above Emmett Drive, which is complicating the repair process and requiring coordination between the town and state.

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What they’re saying

“It appears that part of the problem is on a piece of [West Virginia Division of Highways] property. And so, until we get a determination from that department in Charleston and find a path forward, Emmett Drive will be closed.”

— Patty Lewis, Mayor of Granville (The Dominion Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This road closure highlights the challenges that local governments can face when infrastructure issues involve multiple jurisdictions and agencies. The extended timeline for repairs underscores the need for proactive maintenance and coordination between state and municipal authorities to address potential hazards before they cause significant disruptions to the community.