A delay in designs is slowing work on the installation of a protective barrier along a 2 mile stretch of WV Route 2.

"What we call the freeze - thaw cycle, the expansion of the ice and the water will make the rocks loose. The rocks will hit the ground and the highway," said Highway Administrator for Marshall County, WV, Chris Minor.

The tumbling rocks cause worry for drivers using the road on a daily basis.

In March 2005 a rock and mud slide caused an accident that killed one man and injured five others.

The accident was expected to speed up the installation of a protective fence that will keep rocks from making it onto the highway.

"We're doing this with our engineer group in Charleston. Their work load is such that they couldn't get it designed in time to be bid out in August (2005)," said West Virginia Department of Highways District Engineer, Bob Whipp.

The new expected installation won't happen until at least the end of the summer 2006.

"They are working on the design now. Right now we're scheduled for letting in February and advertising at the end of January," said Whipp.

The department of highways continues to monitor and clear the road of falling rocks.

Barbara Anderson, NEWS9