Researchers at the WVU College of Engineering are using $55,000 in grant money from the Department of Transportation to restore and preserve the state's wooden railroads.

They'll be using a polymer composite that's basically a wet glass fabric, coated in resin and wrapped around the aging piece of the railroad.

Officials say this is a cost effective way to do things, and it can increase the strength of the structure by 2 1/2 to 3 times.

"By refurbishing these bridges through this type of technology at 10% of the cost, it will go a long way to not only maintain a safe system, but also it'll have a much higher longevity," says engineering professor Dr. Hota Gangarao.

The research team is also using funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation and private companies to further develop their ideas.