West Virginia Department of Transportation
02/24/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/24/2023 06:46
West Virginia Parkways Authority awards contract for Turnpike Travel Plaza renovation project
Gov. Justice announced the project in November 2022.
Paramount Builders LLC, of St. Albans, was awarded the contract for $122,820.381.53.
"On behalf of the West Virginia Parkways Authority, I am excited that our Board has approved to award the demolition and construction contract to Paramount Builders," said Jeff Miller, executive director of the Parkways Authority.
"This officially sets into motion the plan to bring world-class facilities to Southern West Virginia to showcase our beautiful state to the millions of travelers we see annually on the West Virginia Turnpike, most of whom are from out of state."
Both travel plazas closed on Feb. 1 to begin the major renovation project.
The Parkways Authority will finalize and sign the contract within the next two weeks. Paramount Builders is expected to be ready to demolish the facilities within the next month.
"To be able to partner with a West Virginia construction firm that has delivered so many quality projects around the state truly adds to the overall partnerships we have formed in working towards making this project a reality," said Miller. "We look forward to opening these facilities to the public by the fourth quarter of 2024."
The newly redeveloped travel plazas will offer expanded food concepts, a 24/7 Mountain State Market convenience store, outdoor dining options, expanded parking for tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles, EV charging stations, separated vehicle and tractor-trailer fueling options, picnic area, and pet relief areas. The Beckley Travel Plaza will offer a drive through, increased restroom facilities, and bus parking, as well as enhancing and highlighting the Parkways Authority Tourist Information Centers.
Beginning Saturday, April 1, 2023, the hours of the Tamarack Marketplace, located next door to the Beckley travel plaza, will expand. The facility will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate travelers. Tamarack is currently open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.