The Bluestone Travel Plaza, a key stop along the West Virginia Turnpike, is set to close for renovations starting Monday, July 8, 2024. This closure is necessary to facilitate the completion of a comprehensive redevelopment project that promises significant upgrades for travelers. While fueling stations at the Bluestone Travel Plaza are already out of service, the entire plaza will be inaccessible to truck parking from July 8th until the renovations are completed at the end of the year. Simultaneously, diesel fueling stations and all truck parking at the Beckley Travel Plaza will also be closed starting Thursday, August 1, 2024, as part of the same project.
This ambitious $122.8 million project, awarded to Paramount Builders LLC in February 2023 by the West Virginia Parkways Authority, aims to modernize both the Bluestone and Beckley Travel Plazas. The extensive renovations will introduce a range of enhanced amenities designed to improve the travel experience for all visitors. Upon reopening, the newly renovated bluestone travel plaza and Beckley locations will feature expanded food options, ensuring a wider variety of choices for travelers. A 24/7 Mountain State Market convenience store will also be a key addition, offering round-the-clock access to travel essentials and refreshments.
Outdoor dining areas are planned for both locations, providing pleasant spaces for travelers to relax and enjoy their meals. Addressing parking needs, the redeveloped plazas will offer expanded parking for both tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles, alleviating congestion and making stops more convenient. Recognizing the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, EV charging stations will be installed at both the bluestone travel plaza and Beckley, catering to the needs of EV drivers. To further enhance convenience and safety, separate fueling options for vehicles and tractor-trailers will be implemented.
A sign announcing the closure of Bluestone and Beckley Travel Plazas for construction, informing travelers about the upcoming renovations and temporary service disruptions at the West Virginia Turnpike rest stops.
Families traveling with pets will appreciate the inclusion of dedicated pet relief areas, while picnic areas will offer spots for travelers to stretch their legs and enjoy a break. The Beckley Travel Plaza will further benefit from a new drive-through service, increased restroom facilities, and dedicated bus parking. Moreover, the renovations will enhance and highlight the Parkways Authority Tourist Information Centers at Beckley, providing travelers with valuable resources about West Virginia attractions and destinations.
Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the Parkways Authority, emphasized the necessity of these temporary closures to ensure the project’s timely completion. “It’s necessary for the West Virginia Parkways Authority and general contractor, Paramount Builders, to fully close the Beckley and Bluestone travel plaza sites in order for the contractor to complete the site renovations in the areas that have remained open up to this point in the project,” Miller stated. He acknowledged the impact on diesel fuel customers at Beckley and commercial truck drivers who rely on these locations for overnight parking.
Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the Parkways Authority, discussing the temporary closure of travel plazas for renovation, highlighting the long-term benefits and upgraded facilities for West Virginia Turnpike travelers.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, Miller assured the traveling public of the long-term benefits. “We recognize that, and want to assure the traveling public that when these sites are completed and reopened they will be able to enjoy world-class facilities, with expanded offerings over the previous facilities,” he concluded. The revamped bluestone travel plaza and Beckley Travel Plaza are poised to become premier travel stops on the West Virginia Turnpike, offering modern amenities and enhanced services for a better journey.
Construction underway at Bluestone Travel Plaza, signaling the start of major renovations to upgrade facilities and services for travelers on the West Virginia Turnpike.
