6/2/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin along with West Virginia Department of Transportation Sec. Paul Mattox today announced that Wayne Concrete Company, Inc. has been awarded a $6.5 million contract through the Division of Highways to construct a new bridge on the Tolsia Highway. The bridge will carry eastbound traffic along U.S. Route 52, as part of the plan to develop the Prichard Intermodal Facility in Wayne County.
"This announcement is particularly gratifying because of the long term impact the Prichard Intermodal Facility will have in expanding West Virginia's economy and employment opportunities for our citizens," said Gov. Tomblin. "The immediate benefits will be felt in terms of construction jobs and the long range benefits will be in West Virginia's dramatically expanded ability to provide intermodal service in support of the trucking and rail industries, which are integral to the economy of our state and nation."
The Department of Transportation has also begun work on the initial phase of the Prichard Intermodal Facility.
Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox said, "The project is a collaborative effort between the Division of Highways, Public Port Authority, Federal Highway Administration and the Wayne County Economic Development Authority. Thanks to the continued support of Governor Tomblin and Congressman Nick Jo Rahall, Speaker Rick Thompson, Senator Bob Plymale, and Delegate Don Perdue, we are one step closer to seeing the facility at Prichard become a reality." The project will be funded in part by a previous federal appropriation secured by Congressman Rahall.
"The intermodal facility at Prichard is vital to economic development and job creation in this area, and building the necessary infrastructure is a key element of its success," said House of Delegates Speaker Rick Thompson (D-Wayne).
"Governor Tomblin's support of the Pritchard Intermodal facility clearly indicates his dedication to being a game-changer for West Virginia," said Del. Don Perdue (D-Wayne). "This announcement is proof positive of his administration's ongoing commitment to put West Virginia first."
The Prichard facility is anticipated to connect the area to surrounding markets with direct intermodal access to optimal geographic markets. Intermodal rail service would be provided between Prichard and Chicago - via Columbus, Ohio - and all points west. To the east, it would provide direct double-stacked rail service to the Port of Virginia in Norfolk via the Heartland Corridor. In addition, the facility is accessible from the Tolsia Highway Corridor, which is part of the I-73/74 North-South corridor designated by Congress as a high-priority corridor. Proximity to the corridor will facilitate interstate truck movement to and from the Prichard site.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000