Travelers on the West Virginia Turnpike will soon experience significantly upgraded rest stops as the state’s Parkways Authority progresses with its ambitious modernization project. According to recent updates, the extensively remodeled Bluestone and Beckley Travel Plazas are on track to reopen by Christmas. Following closely behind, shortly after January 1, 2025, motorists can expect to utilize credit card and pay-by-plate options at tollbooths, streamlining their journey. However, these advancements come with a bittersweet note for those familiar with the Morton’s Travel Plaza, as it is slated for demolition as part of these comprehensive upgrades.
Parrish French, Director of Finance for the West Virginia Parkways Authority, shared details with the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on Department of Transportation Accountability, highlighting the state-of-the-art nature of the revamped Bluestone and Beckley facilities. The Beckley Travel Plaza, the larger of the two, closed for renovations in 2022, is set to offer a complete overhaul of amenities. French detailed, “It will include separate fueling facilities for cars and trucks, and a drive-through lane for select restaurants. Dining options are planned to include Wendy’s, Popeyes, Starbucks, and the Mountaineer Market.” This expansion caters to a wider range of traveler needs, aiming for a more efficient and enjoyable stop.
The Bluestone Travel Plaza is also receiving substantial upgrades, mirroring Beckley with dedicated fueling areas for trucks, and featuring a Wendy’s and a Mountaineer Market snack bar. While these two locations are being enhanced, French confirmed the impending closure of Morton’s Travel Plaza for demolition. This indicates a strategic decision to consolidate and modernize travel plaza offerings along the turnpike, focusing investment on fewer, but significantly improved, locations.
The financial commitment to these turnpike travel plaza upgrades is substantial, reaching $160 million. Notably, these funds are entirely derived from toll revenue, demonstrating a reinvestment into the infrastructure used by turnpike patrons.
Beyond the travel plazas themselves, significant changes are coming to toll payment systems. French announced the anticipated rollout of credit card and pay-by-plate payment options at toll plazas shortly after the new year, pending final testing. “Every new mainline lane will process E-ZPass, cash, credit card, and pay-by-plate Toll transactions,” French stated. This move marks the end of coin machines on the turnpike, with E-ZPass remaining the most efficient payment method, now joined by more contemporary options.
Adding to the modernized experience, travelers will encounter new dynamic digital signs above each toll lane, utilizing Daktronic technology. These full-color variable message signs are designed to enhance safety and communication, delivering important information to drivers more rapidly and effectively.
In conclusion, the West Virginia Turnpike is undergoing a major transformation of its travel infrastructure. The reopening of the modernized Beckley and Bluestone Travel Plazas and the introduction of new toll payment technologies promise a better experience for drivers. While the demolition of Morton’s Travel Plaza marks a change for those familiar with that stop, the overall project signals a significant investment in improving travel along this crucial West Virginia route.
