Opinion

Corridor H key to unlocking state’s future

An editorial from The Exponent Telegram 

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Corridor H is more than just another highway, it is one of the keys to North Central West Virginia’s economic future. And recent announcements have given hope that the project will be finished sooner rather than later.

Corridor H Authority officials say a 1.5-mile stretch of the project near Mount Storm could be open by Thanksgiving. Other portions could be open by next spring. As much as 75 percent of Corridor H is either finished or under construction. And, if work can begin in 2015 on other sections, it could be 87 percent complete in just a few years.

In short, officials say the road-building is three years ahead of schedule and the West Virginia portion of the project could be finished by the year 2020.

If the road is completed before the original completion date of 2036 — and it appears that it is going to be done well before then — it will be a major boon to the state’s economy.

“Every year we can take off of that 2036 means significant dollars, significant jobs and a significant improvement to the quality of life for everyone,” said Robbie Morris, Corridor H Authority president and Randolph County Development Authority director.

The goal is to connect the 130-mile Corridor H from Weston to the Virginia line. That means easy access to the Inland Port in Front Royal, Virginia, where goods are then transported to Norfolk for shipment all around the world.

“I anticipate it will be a huge boom to this area…

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