BECKLEY, W.Va. –The brand-new Beckley Travel Plaza is officially ready to welcome in motorists traveling on the West Virginia Turnpike.
The $60 million facility opened on Saturday, but a ceremony with Governor Jim Justice and the WV Department of Transportation was held Monday evening to dedicate the building.
Justice, who will be sworn in as a U.S. Senator in two weeks, says an upgrade to the facility was much needed.
“We needed it for decades,” Justice said.
Travelers on the WV Turnpike can officially enjoy the new Beckley Travel Plaza! Gov. Jim Justice joined WVDOT leaders tonight for a grand opening of the multi-million dollar project. Among other amenities, the plaza features Starbucks, Wendy’s, Popeyes and Mountain State Market. pic.twitter.com/FO2bEz6vTh
— WVDOT (@WVDOT) December 31, 2024
The new travel plaza boasts 50 additional parking spaces compared to the previous center, as well as 16 electric vehicle charging stations. The plaza also has a Popeye’s, Wendy’s and Starbucks, as well as grab-and-go food and drink options.
The previous Beckley Travel Center was demolished in the spring of 2023.
West Virginia Parkways Authority Executive Director Jeff Miller says providing West Virginia Turnpike travelers with these amenities will show off what the state has to offer.
“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,” Miller said. “The West Virginia Turnpike remains committed to providing the best user experience as possible on our roadway, and this facility is no exception.”
Miller says the state-of-the-art facility was no easy task for his staff.
“We have spent thousands and thousands of hours on this project from concept to completion,” Miller said.
Justice says the plaza will be a marketing tool for the entire state.
“It is a marketing tool for this great state, and that’s what we really need,” Justice said. “We need more and more and more people to see West Virginia and absolutely see how great we are in many ways, and then, low and behold, people start coming, they bring their businesses, on and on and on.”
“Just think of the millions that will pass through here,” Justice said.
Justice also says the state showing itself off in ways like this make him proud.
“Today we are proud of our pond,” Justice said. “West Virginia is showing itself off all over the world, and nothing can make me more proud.”