West Virginia Turnpike: From Construction to Commerce

The West Virginia Turnpike: Twisting & Turning Through The Coalfields

The West Virginia Turnpike, the confluence of Interstate 64 and Interstate 77. This is more than just the road from Beckley to Charleston. From its perilous construction in the mid-20th century to its role as a catalyst for tourism and commerce today, the Turnpike’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Let’s explore its history and enduring economic significance.

A Highway Forged in Stone: The Turnpike’s Turbulent History

19th-Century Roots and the Need for Connectivity
Long before the Turnpike’s inception, West Virginia’s mountainous terrain posed a formidable challenge to transportation. In the 19th century, the state inherited a patchwork of toll roads from Virginia, including the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and Kanawha Turnpike. This road was a critical Civil War artery that linked the Ohio River to eastern markets. These early roads, though vital, were narrow, poorly maintained, and ill-suited for modern traffic. By the mid-20th century, as coal and manufacturing industries boomed, the demand for a reliable north-south corridor became urgent.

Engineering Against the Odds
Construction of the West Virginia Turnpike began in 1952, predating the Interstate Highway System. Dubbed “88 miles of miracle,” the project required blasting through mountains and moving 33 million cubic yards of earth. It also used over 16 million pounds of dynamite to carve a path through limestone and shale. The result was a two-lane highway connecting Princeton to Charleston, completed in 1954 at a cost of $133 million. Governor William C. Marland hailed it as a tool to diversify Southern West Virginia’s economy, declaring it “the salvation of our primary road system” .

The Turnpike’s design was revolutionary for its time. It featured 116 bridges—including those named for Medal of Honor recipients like Sergeant Stanley Bender—and gradients of up to 5% to navigate elevations ranging from 600 to 3,400 feet . Yet, its narrow lanes and sharp curves soon proved hazardous. By 1987, a $600 million upgrade expanded it to four lanes. This upgrade bypassed the Memorial Tunnel and aligned it with Interstate standards.

Economic Lifeline: The Turnpike’s Role in Modern West Virginia

Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Today, the Turnpike is a gateway to West Virginia’s scenic and cultural treasures. The Staunton-Parkersburg Scenic Byway, intersecting with the Turnpike, leverages heritage tourism—a sector growing twice as fast as general travel. Cultural heritage tourists spend an average of $623 per trip. They flock to attractions like Tamarack Marketplace and Winterplace Ski Resort, accessible via Turnpike exits. The highway’s vistas of Bluestone Gorge and fall foliage further enhance its appeal. This draws motorists who support local businesses in towns like Elkins and Beckley.

Toll Revenue and Infrastructure Funding
The Turnpike’s toll system is a critical revenue stream. In 2025, tolls rose to $4.50, with proceeds funding road projects in 10 counties . Holiday travel in late 2024 saw 1.48 million transactions, generating significant income. It accommodated 85–90% out-of-state visitors. These funds complement state and federal initiatives like the Roads to Prosperity program, which has repaved 8,400 miles of roads and repaired 3,400 bridges since 2018 .

Challenges: Inflation and Maintenance
Despite its success, the Turnpike faces headwinds. Rising construction costs have increased by 45% since 2022, threatening the pace of repairs. Statewide, 19% of bridges are rated “poor,” and 30% of roads are in mediocre condition. This costs drivers up to $625 annually in vehicle repairs. The Turnpike itself requires ongoing upgrades to maintain safety, such as rumble strips and improved signage. Especially as distracted driving contributes to West Virginia’s high traffic fatality rate (1.64 deaths per 100 million miles traveled) .

Commercial and Industrial Connectivity
As a segment of I-77, the Turnpike links Charleston to major hubs like Parkersburg and Beckley, facilitating the transport of coal, natural gas, and manufactured goods. West Virginia’s energy sector—responsible for 15% of U.S. fossil fuel production—relies on the highway to connect with interstate markets . Meanwhile, logistics companies and retailers like Walmart and Kroger benefit from efficient freight movement. This underscores the Turnpike’s role in sustaining the state’s $72 billion GDP .

Looking Ahead: The Turnpike’s Future in a Changing Landscape

The Turnpike’s legacy is one of adaptation. From its origins as a treacherous two-lane road to its current status as a modern thoroughfare, it has mirrored West Virginia’s economic shifts. Today, the state faces dual imperatives: preserving this vital infrastructure while embracing new opportunities.

Electric Vehicles and Sustainability: With federal infrastructure funds expiring in 2026, West Virginia must balance traditional industries with emerging sectors. The Turnpike could play a role in supporting EV corridors, aligning with national trends .
Community Partnerships: Initiatives like the Turnpike Alliance, which promotes regional tourism, highlight the potential for public-private collaborations to amplify economic benefits .

Conclusion

The West Virginia Turnpike is more than asphalt and toll booths—it’s a symbol of resilience. Its history reflects the state’s determination to conquer geographic barriers. Meanwhile, its economic impact today underscores its role as a conduit for progress. As Secretary of Transportation Todd Rumbaugh notes, sustaining this asset requires “strategic investment and innovation” . For West Virginia, the road ahead is as winding as the Turnpike itself. Yet, with careful stewardship, it promises continued prosperity.

As always, thank you for riding with me!

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Visibility: Rain
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Charleston (4:00, 1:31:00)
I64 – I64/I77 (7:00) – US60/Kanawha Boulevard/Midland Trail (12:00)
Malden
Rand
Dupont
Belle (20:00)
Diamond
Quincy (21:30)
Chelyanne (31:30)
East Bank (34:30)
Wealthy Acres
Rhonda
Dry Branch
Sharon (47:00)
Miami
Dawes
Eskdale (1:00:00)
WV Turnpike (1:13:25)
Jefferson (2:41:00)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue
Saint Albans (2:49:00)
Nitro (2:55:00)
WV25/1st Avenue
Cross Lanes

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