Hillside slip at Barboursville Target worsens
A landslide near the Target in Barboursville has continued to worsen, leading to more damage of a water main in the area and inevitably prolonging the store’s closure. (WCHS)
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — UPDATED - 12:05 p.m., 2/15/24
A portion of the Barboursville Target that is impacted by a hillside slip is expected to be demolished, officials said Thursday.
Barboursville Police Chief Daren McNeil confirmed Thursday that Target officials plan to tear down the back section of the building that has been affected by a slipping hillside in recent weeks.
No timeline was immediately available on the demolition and when the store could reopen.
Nearby residents said they have received voluntary evacuation notices due to the slip.
Eyemart Express District Manager Stephanie Ingrum said the nearby business is open despite dealing with water issues that have impacted operations.
“For our industry – for us to make glasses – the water pressure sometimes can cause us a time delay, so we have had a few delays because of the water in the processing of our glasses,” Ingrum said.
Portable toilets have been set up near other businesses who have been affected by damage to the water main in the area.
ORIGINAL STORY
A landslide near the Target in Barboursville has continued to worsen, leading to further damage of a water main in the area and inevitably prolonging the store’s closure.
Photos circulating online Wednesday showed significant damage to the store and the hillside has continued to slip away.
A spokesperson for West Virginia American Water said crews are currently working to address damage to its water main following the latest slip in order to continue providing water to businesses in the complex.
Customers shopping at nearby businesses could experience temporary low water pressure or no water at times while emergency repairs are made. Full water service is expected to be restored in the next couple of hours, the spokesperson said.
As for Target, a company spokesperson previously told Eyewitness News the store was expected to be closed for a “prolonged period” of time.
The store closed earlier this month as structural engineers and utility workers were called to evaluate broken water and sewer lines on the property. The cause of the slip remains under investigation.
Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum said nearby residents received voluntary evacuation notices last week. He said no businesses in the complex are in danger of closing.