BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Jim Justice made the latest in a series of appearances in Raleigh County on Friday morning, addressing residents from the Tamarack’s Conference Center Ballroom regarding coming renovations to the West Virginia Turnpike.
Specifically, plans for the complete renovation of both the Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas on the West Virginia Turnpike were announced in conjunction with the West Virginia Parkways Authority who officially approved the plans on Wednesday, November 16th.
“If we want to show off and be the frogs that are proud of their own pond, we’ve got to show us off. That’s all there is to it,” proclaimed Governor Justice at Friday’s event.
“3.3 million people – double the population of West Virginia – come through here every year,” Governor Justice said of the state’s growing tourism market. “They pull into places that are antiquated [and] should’ve been bulldozed years and years ago, but we didn’t have the money to do it.”
“Now we’re going to have the best facilities that showcase everything that West Virginia has to offer. Because we want all 3.3 million people to walk away with a positive image of our great state.”
The project has been in the works for some time, with the WV Parkways Authority having approved the expenditure of $152 million spread over the course of three fiscal years back in May for the revamping of the WV Turnpike’s travel plazas.
3,400 participants responded to a 2021 survey from the Parkways Authority, the results of which revealed that much greater attention to the plazas was being given by passers through than previously believed.
Truck parking was a primary concern for many participants, with truckers in dire need of safe, secure parking during their travels. Additionally, improved restroom facilities and a greater emphasis on the natural beauty of the Mountain State itself – one of the area’s most significant attributes – in the plazas.
“75% of our travel revenue comes from out-of-state motorists and commercial truck drivers,” said Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the West Virginia Parkways Authority, who spoke at Friday’s event prior to Governor Justice.
“This is an exciting time for the West Virginia Turnpike. But as Governor Justice reminds us all, ‘let us not confuse effort with achievement. Therefore, we have a long road ahead of us to complete these tasks, but we are prepared to set forth a plan that will get us where we need to be,” Miller continued.
“By the end of 2024, motorists along the West Virginia Turnpike will be able to enjoy new, modern travel plazas that will provide the public a wonderful service experience and a safe area to rest, all while enjoying expanded food offerings and fueling before getting back on the road.”
Demolition and site redevelopment for both the Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas will begin on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. As such, both plaza sites will cease activity beginning on that date so as to allow for the renovations to occur.
The Morton Travel Plaza near Burnwell, notably, will remain open until 2025, at which planned renovations are set to begin for that facility as well.
Additionally, these newly redeveloped plaza locations will offer expanded food concepts, options for outdoor dining, a 24-hour operational Mountain State Market convenience store, expanded parking for tractor trailers and passenger fueling options, pet relief areas, and picnic areas.
The Beckley travel plaza location specifically will offer a drive-thru, bus parking, increased restroom facilities, and enhancement and highlighting of the Parkways Authority Tourist Information Centers.
Renovations on the new travel plazas are expected to conclude by late 2024, with “GRAND OPENING WINTER 2024” signage and backdrops displayed at Friday’s event.
“So many people [are] calling and inquiring and coming [to West Virginia] that it’s off the chart,” said Governor Justice in winding down his remarks.
“I’ll run through the finish line. I won’t let up. There’s no just coasting with me,” Governor Justice asserted. “So with all that being said, let’s just keep on the road together… I congratulate all of you.”
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