Corridor H

[seicer]

There isn't much land available for rebuilding along the existing right-of-way south of Williamson. It is almost entirely uncontrolled access, with the entire route essentially built-up as the road goes through the heart of every coal camp and town.

The Tolsia Highway is a bit different as much of that was built new from the 1950s onward, and some of the existing alignment will be retained.

[Bitmapped]

There isn't much land available for rebuilding along the existing right-of-way south of Williamson. It is almost entirely uncontrolled access, with the entire route essentially built-up as the road goes through the heart of every coal camp and town.

The Tolsia Highway is a bit different as much of that was built new from the 1950s onward, and some of the existing alignment will be retained.

Those towns are what generate the traffic along the US 52 corridor. Through traffic is minimal south of Williamson and that's not likely to change. A new routing away from where traffic wants to go has greatly reduced utility.

Realigning some of the slower curves, building turn lanes in places, and occasional passing lanes would significantly improve the performance of the road. It's not going to be a 65mph route but something that people could consistently drive 30-35mph in town, 40-45 in built-up areas, and 50-55+ outside of town would be a huge improvement and appropriate for the amount of traffic, population, and terrain.

[vdeane]

see US 6/US 50 through NV and most rural roads out west

Those aren't four-lane limited-access highways.

[Henry]

see US 6/US 50 through NV and most rural roads out west

Those aren't four-lane limited-access highways.

I never said anything about them being four lanes, or even limited-access. I was only referring to them in general, with nothing specified as to what type they were (aside from being ones that "go through absolutely nothing").

[vdeane]

see US 6/US 50 through NV and most rural roads out west

Those aren't four-lane limited-access highways.

I never said anything about them being four lanes, or even limited-access. I was only referring to them in general, with nothing specified as to what type they were (aside from being ones that "go through absolutely nothing").

Given that the King Coal Highway and the Coalfields Expressway both are, however, I would say that comparing them is basically comparing apples to oranges.

[seicer]

Gov. Justice announces $77 million contract for major bridge project on Corridor H, will complete Kerens to Parsons section
11/4/2024

BLUEFIELD, WV — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the contract award for Roaring Run Bridge, completing the Kerens to Parsons section of Corridor H. Triton Construction Inc. has been awarded the over $77 million project.

Gov. Justice made the announcement during an event along the King Coal Highway, where he announced another contract award.

"Getting the Roaring Run Bridge project off the ground is just another piece of the puzzle for Corridor H," Gov. Justice said. "This final piece for the Kerens to Parsons section is a massive milestone in our ultimate goal of finishing this corridor. These announcements bring us closer to running through the finish line on Corridor H. I've said it over and over again, but Corridor H is the most important project for West Virginia. Celebrating these days feels amazing, and when we finally say that Corridor H is finished, it will be a historic day for West Virginia."

Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E. said. "This accomplishment involved many late nights of work and after-hour meetings involved in coordinating with our partners at FHWA, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Monongahela National Forest, local leaders, our design consultants, and residents of the local communities. With this project now being underway, only two sections remain in achieving the ultimate goal of fully completing Corridor H."

Kerens to Parsons carries Corridor H through some of the most rugged terrain on the entire route.

When Gov. Jim Justice took office in 2017, he made completing Corridor H a priority of his administration. The four-lane highway begins at Weston and travels across central West Virginia to eventually link up with Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia.

The highway is expected to open some of West Virginia's most remote areas in Grant, Tucker, and Hardy counties to economic development, connect West Virginia's highlands with eastern ports, speed travel times through the mountains, and provide a smooth, safe highway for travelers and residents.

[The Ghostbuster]

When is the 9-mile stretch of US 48 between Parsons and Davis supposed to start construction? Is the construction date still 2031, as Wikipedia states?

[Bitmapped]

When is the 9-mile stretch of US 48 between Parsons and Davis supposed to start construction? Is the construction date still 2031, as Wikipedia states?

They still have to select an alignment.