East Beckley project could start by spring
The Register-Herald, December 23, 2008
If a federal infrastructure stimulus package is approved by President-elect Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress, some construction on the proposed Z-Way highways project could get started by early this spring, according to a local transportation official.
Bill Baker, president of the Beckley-Raleigh County Transportation Authority, says Gov. Joe Manchin informed him that the East Beckley By-Pass project, which is part of the Z-Way plan, is on the state’s 90-day stimulus package request list. “This is excellent news because it means a section of the Z-Way could be under construction by spring,” Baker said. “West Virginia Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox also confirmed this in a telephone conversation.”
Baker says Manchin read off several water and sewer projects in southern West Virginia that were on the list, notably North Beckley Public Service District for $8 million.
Baker says the first segment of the proposed Z-Way plan calls for completion of the by-pass. “This makes sense, since it was already designed,” Baker said. “My understanding is this would complete the by-pass, including the bridge across the gorge and extends the by-pass and to tie the by-pass into Rt. 41 (Stanaford Road).”
The by-pass is designed up to Ragland Road. However, extension of the by-pass to Ragland Road is not ready because some commercial properties have to be acquired and they have to give time for these businesses to relocate, Baker added.
“This would take longer than the stimulus funds would allow,” he said.
Baker says the state has promised to work on acquiring these properties while the section from Grey Flats Road to Stanaford Road is being constructed. “Once completed, it would relieve a lot of traffic on Eisenhower Drive,” Baker said.
Baker also pointed to the fact that completing the by-pass first is also the recommendation of the state’s consultant on the project, Wilbur Smith Associates. “Their cost estimate was estimated at $48 million once extended to Ragland Road,” Baker said.
Baker said he also wanted to thank 3rd District Congressman Nick Rahall and Gov. Manchin. “We thank them for including this vital road project in the stimulus package,” Baker said.