EKB News

A 60% rate increase on the West Virginia Turnpike, which went into effect August 1st., has boosted collections by more than 30%. Figures released this week indicate the turnpike collected $19 million from July to September, up from revenues of $14.6 million during the same period in 2008. Engineers had projected the increase would bring in about $19 million more a year which would help with maintenance projects. A few projects began right after the toll increase and are scheduled to wrap up for the winter. Crews have made progress on a four-mile stretch in Beckley, which includes raising the median wall and ditches to coincide with a several inch overlay, preparing that project for major repaving next spring. Toll money is slated for four significant jobs, including 28 lane miles, to also begin next spring. Engineers estimate it will take 10 years to get the 88-mile toll road where it needs to be. State law would currenly allow the tolls to be removed in 2019.