Economy/Transportation - Transportation
Wheeling is literally at the crossroads of the Mid-Atlantic region. As imposing as that may sound, the area highways and city streets make it easy to get around Wheeling.
Because of its location along the Ohio River, Wheeling historically has been a major transportation route. The first national highway, the National Road (U.S. Route 40) reached the city in 1818, and by 1853, Wheeling had become a major rail transportation terminal.
Today, excellent highways afford easy access to destinations north, south, east and west. Interstate 70 runs east-west through the city, as do U.S. Route 40 (National Road) and U.S. Route 250. Extending north and south through Wheeling is W.Va. Route 2, a four-lane limited access highway through much of the Northern Panhandle, with additional improvements set to come. Route 2 intersects with I-70 and its outer loop, I-470. Interstate 79 (30 minutes east) and I-77 (45 miles west) also provide north-south links.
Just a few miles north of the city on W.Va. 2, the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport makes air transportation close and convenient. The airport offers excellent facilities for its charter, corporate and private aircraft. An FAA General Utility Stage CI-Class airport, its two lighted runways can accommodate all commonly used corporate aircraft, including 727s and DC-Ss under normal conditions. Its FAA Control Tower offers all weather instrument approach capabilities. The West Virginia National Guard is on site, maintaining a helicopter unit. A wide range of services offered at the airport include refueling, maintenance, rebuilding an FAA-approved flight school and rental car services. A fixed-base operator provides flight services.
 The older terminal building has been restored and features a museum highlighting the area's notable aviation history. The new terminal building includes a snack bar and facilities to make an airport visit pleasant. Several times a year aviation buffs of all ages crowd into the terminals and airport aprons to view vintage World War II aircraft brought in for special displays. From time to time, ships from the Goodyear Blimp fleet and the Sea World "Shamu" blimp moor at the airport overnight, to the delight of area residents.
For scheduled commercial flights, the Pittsburgh International Airport is only 55 minutes from downtown Wheeling via interstate highways.
Greyhound/Trailways bus lines maintain a downtown office and several limousine and transportation companies provide shuttle services to your choice of destination, including the Amtrak station in Pittsburgh. Taxi and tour services are also available.
Bus transportation throughout Wheeling and surrounding communities on both sides of the Ohio River is easily accessible and affordable. The Ohio Valley and Eastern Ohio Regional Transit Authorities provide transportation from residential neighborhoods to downtown for less than one dollar. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities ride at half fare.
The Ohio River is a mighty link to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, the Gulf of Mexico and all navigable tributaries. In recent decades, the Ohio River has carried more tonnage than the Panama Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway. A familiar sight on the river is a massive towboat shepherding a lengthy "tow" of barges both upstream and down. This river traffic moves efficiently year round thanks to a sophisticated system of locks and dame, which is also responsible for an increase in private boating and water recreation. Barge loading facilities and several barge line services are available locally.
From time to time during the warmer months, the majestic paddle-driven Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and the newest, the American Queen, churn by for a visit.
|
