The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is preparing to bid on the next phase in the development of Corridor H, specifically the section from Kerens to Parsons. This important project aims to construct a new bridge across Roaring Run Creek, which will serve as a connector for the future highway expansion. The site of the bridge is situated near the ongoing Cheat River Bridge project, marking the last major bridge construction along Corridor H before the Mackeyville interchange and its connector are built.
Having passed all environmental reviews and federal assessments, the project is expected to go out for bid in September 2024. Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E., expressed optimism about the project’s progression, stating, “One section after another, we’re going to build this road. Finally, we’ve jumped through all the hoops. We’ve satisfied all the federal bureaucracy, and we’re ready to advertise this contract for letting.”
Since taking office in 2017, Governor Jim Justice has prioritized the completion of Corridor H, which begins near Weston. The highway traverses central West Virginia, passing through Wardensville, and will eventually connect with Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia. Once completed, it is expected to open up some of West Virginia’s most remote areas in Grant, Tucker, and Hardy counties to economic development and tourism. Additionally, it aims to reduce travel times through mountainous terrains while providing a safer highway for both travelers and residents.
The stretch from Kerens to Parsons is particularly challenging due to rugged terrain. Kokosing Construction Company Inc. has been integral to this project, first being awarded a $209.7 million contract in 2015 for grading, drainage, and construction for the first segment. In 2019, the company secured another contract, this time for the second section, with a bid amounting to $175.7 million.
Currently, over 120 miles of Corridor H are open to traffic, with approximately 30 miles remaining to be completed. To date, more than $1.93 billion has been invested in the four-lane highway construction.
“We’ve taken the lead from our governor to persevere,” Wriston added. “We never fail, because we never quit.”
