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A new, four-lane section of Corridor H, in the central part of the state, is officially open to traffic.
The 11-mile stretch of pavement connects the small community of Kerens in Randolph County to Parsons, in Tucker County and completes a long-held vision for opening both counties to more tourism and economic opportunity.
On hand to celebrate Monday’s ribbon cutting, state Sen. Robbie Morris, R-Randolph, chairman of the Corridor H Authority, said the project is about opportunity, jobs and connecting communities.
“It is about giving our children and grandchildren reasons to stay and build their futures here in West Virginia,” Morris said. “This highway has already brought new investment, new businesses, expanded tourism, and economic growth to communities along the route, and we have seen firsthand how improved infrastructure can create opportunities that once seemed out of reach.”
Also on hand: West Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh, Federal Highway Administration Administrator Sean McMaster, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Gov. Patrick Morrisey as well as a host of state and local officials.
Nearly $2 billion has been spent on the 112 miles of Corridor H that are open to traffic. Another 19.6 miles remain under construction.
Courtesy of the Robert C. Byrd Corridor H Highway Authority
“Every mile of Corridor H removes another barrier, connects another community, and brings new opportunity within reach,” Morrisey said. This project is helping shrink the distance between our communities while creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for the people of West Virginia.”
When complete, Corridor H will connect Interstate 79 in Weston to the Virginia state line.