US35

The state Senate in West Virginia recently voted down enabling legislation for toll development of  US35. The legislation SB606 sponsored by the state governor would have provided authority for sale of $80m of toll revenue bonds plus a backup pledge of up to $8m/yr lottery monies. It passed the finance and transportation committees but was defeated  on the floor of the Senate by a 21 to 12 vote.

West Virginia Turnpike staff and contractors are busy with new toll systems. They're doing their first toll system rebuild on the Turnpike itself since their original electronic system was installed for the introduction of E-ZPass  in 1999. And they're acting as a toll collection contractor for West Virginia DOT on two other toll projects - Mon Fayette Expressway (WV43) and US35. (NOTE CORRECTION AT END)

West Virginia's Department of Highways (WVDOH) publicizes the upgrade of US35 on the west side of Kanawha River to expressway standard as a project to enhance connections and improve safety of travel between two counties of Mason and Putnam - if you've heard of them. It's a heck lot more than that.

A spokesman for West Virginia DOT, Brent Walker says the most promising early project for toll financing after the short section of Mon Fayette Expressway in the state is the upgrade of US35 to expressway standard from just outside Charleston to  the Ohio border. The upgrade to toll expressway is planned between I-64 in St Albans and Point Pleasant.