Virginia Department of Transportation recently erected highway signs marking the Commonwealth’s first miles of the Coalfields Expressway. The signs were installed at the suggestion of the Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority, with the goal of matching similar signage found along the expressway in West Virginia. The Coalfields Expressway, designated as U.S. Route 121 and a Congressional High Priority Corridor, aims to provide a modern and efficient transportation artery through the coalfields region of Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia.
The Executive Director of VCEDA, Jonathan Belcher, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the project has been in the works for over 30 years. The newly opened sections of the highway include about 3 miles on US 121, with additional sections scheduled to open in 2025 and 2027. The complex process of constructing these highways involves extensive engineering plans and studies before any construction can begin.
The Virginia Coalfields Expressway Authority, established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2017, aims to enhance transportation in Southwest Virginia, promote regional economic development, and improve highway safety. For more information on the project, individuals are encouraged to visit the authority’s website. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com for further inquiries.
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