W.Va. Turnpike travel plazas closing for demotion, $122M in renovations

WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — Travel plazas along the West Virginia Turnpike will soon be closing for the year, allowing contractors to complete $122 million in renovations.

The Bluestone Travel Plaza will close at 7 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the West Virginia Department of Transportation. The news release said fueling stations are already shut down and truck parking will be closed until construction is complete.

Diesel stations and truck parking at the Beckley Travel Plaza are set to close Aug. 1, according to the DOT.

In February of last year, the West Virginia Parkways Authority approved a contract with St. Albans’ Paramount Builders LLC to demolish and rebuild the travel plazas. Transportation officials have outlined plans for the upgraded facilities:

• Expanded food concepts
• 24/7 convenience store
• Drive-thru
• Outdoor dining options
• Expanded parking lots
• EV charging stations
• Picnic areas
• Pet relief areas
• New restrooms
• Tourist information centers

Renovations are expected to be complete at the end of the year.