There has recently been construction in progress where the junior parking lot used to be. This has been the cause of a large amount of controversy and confusion for parents and students alike.

All the commotion comes from the current plans to build new softball and baseball fields. This is the first time there has been construction at Weir High since the new turf was put on the football field in 2021. Here’s what’s happening and what the future plans look like.

When asked what exactly is happening with the construction, Principal Kristin Bisset t said, “Red rider road is moving slightly to make room for the new softball field.” She added, “The old softball field will become a new baseball field. They will also be adding additional parking spaces to the back of the lot.”

According to Construction Journal the project entails:

• site improvements related to the demolition
• removal of an existing parking lot to create space for a synthetic turf softball field
• renovations to the existing softball field to create a synthetic turf baseball field
• excavation and earthmoving
• site drainage and preparation
• road and walkway paving
• concrete slab systems
• masonry field structures
• electrical infrastructure for site amenities, future field lighting and scoreboards
• interior and exterior plumbing systems
• utility relocations
• and other general construction.

As for the length of time that Red Rider Road will be closed, in an article by The Weirton Daily Times Mark Dziatkowicz, the director of facilities and maintenance, “noted the current schedule will put construction of the softball field to reach substantial completion by Feb 10, and the baseball field on April 10.”

When asked about their opinions on getting a new softball field, senior and 3-year varsity softball player, Reagan Hoover stated, “I’m happy we’re getting a new softball field, though It probably won’t be done in time for me to be able to play on.”

The softball field will not be fully ready to play on till spring of 2023. Until then both student drivers and parents will have to get used to the new parking rules put in place.

During the first few days of construction, both students and parents were quite disoriented arriving at school.

When asked how they felt about the current construction traffic senior, Nick Yacos said, “I absolutely hate this chaos!”

Senior, Ty Lyon explained “(the construction) is always getting in the way and (the traffic) has been so bad.”

Most students have been getting used to the new rules. For those that are not aware, all students must park in the senior parking lot and parents are to drive closest to the fence where construction is located.

are aware that the parking situation is complex. Their main concern is student safety. In an all-call to parents and guardians, Bissett said, “Please be patient as we try to find the best way to get all of our students into school as safely and efficiently as possible.”

The construction project doesn’t end with fields. In the future, there will also be physical education additions. That project is tentatively planned to consist of a roughly 18,500 square-foot high bay addition to the exterior of the existing high school gymnasium, consisting of three main spaces: PE classrooms 1 and 2 and a Fitness Center. The project will also include site improvements, renovations of the existing weightlifting room into a wrestling room, an area of roof replacement, mechanical systems, electrical renovations, including replacing the existing switch gear, complete replacement of the fire alarm system in the entire building.