BECKLEY, WV (WVDN) — Gov. Justice, along with Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston and the Executive Director of West Virginia Parkways Authority Jeff Miller, announced the grand opening of the Beckley Travel Plaza.
The plaza will feature Starbucks, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, and Mountain State Market, which will run 24/7. Other amenities offered are increased restroom facilities, EV charging stations, a drive-through, and separated vehicle and tractor-trailer fueling options.
The travel plaza will also highlight the Tamarack Artisan Shop, which is designed to support a variety of travelers, including families, tourists, and professional truck drivers. Its strategic location ensures easy access for those traveling to and from destinations across the state and beyond.
“I’m truly blown away by how this plaza has turned out—it’s even more than we imagined,” Gov. Justice said. “A few years ago, no one would’ve dreamed West Virginia would be featured in top travel guides or become a top tourist destination. Now, people from all over the world are coming to experience Almost Heaven. We needed to update our travel plazas to match the excitement and energy of our visitors, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. This isn’t just a pit stop; it’s our opportunity to show off the beauty and spirit of West Virginia. This plaza represents everything that’s happening in our state—growth, opportunity, and pride. Millions of travelers will pass through here and take a piece of West Virginia with them.”
In May 2022, the Parkways Authority approved the expenditure of $152 million spread over three fiscal years to revamp the Turnpike’s travel plazas. Plans were based on the results of a 2021 survey of Turnpike travelers.
In February 2023, the West Virginia Parkways Authority approved a contract for around $122 million with Paramount Builders LLC of St. Albans to demolish and renovate the Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas.
“On behalf of the WV Parkways Authority board members and staff, we are extremely excited and proud to open this world-class facility to the traveling public,” Miller said. “This facility will showcase West Virginia to millions of people, and it will transform what it means to provide safe, clean, and modern roadway facilities rich with amenities to the traveling public on a national level. The WV Turnpike remains committed to providing the best user experience possible on our roadway, and this is no exception. I am grateful to our operating partner, Areas USA, for their commitment to provide our vision for this facility and to the contractor, Paramount Builders, for bringing this phenomenal facility to life.”
The opening of the Beckley travel plaza and Bluestone travel plaza represent a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure and economy. The Bluestone travel plaza is set to open around mid-January.
