Supporting the Full Project Lifecycle by Delivering Final Contract Plans and Construction Management
Challenge
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) continues to advance the Coalfields Expressway, a corridor recognized as essential to expanding regional connectivity and economic opportunity across southern West Virginia. Building on the successful completion of two prior phases supported by TRC, WVDOH was positioned to move forward on the most complex phase yet: developing final contract plans for a section stretching from Pineville to Mullens, together with a 3-mile connector into Twin Falls State Park. The scope requires the delivery of both preliminary design and construction management services with work that commenced in November 2025, and substantial completion anticipated in June 2029. The project presents a distinctive set of technical considerations. The alignment traverses new terrain, requiring a design and construction approach that remains responsive to conditions as they are encountered in the field.
WVDOH entered this phase with a strong foundation built on TRC’s prior corridor work including a Preliminary Investigation Engineering Study addressing 47 miles of the Expressway from Mullens to the West Virginia/Virginia state line, and alignment development, preliminary design and environmental re-evaluation for a 15-mile section from the WV 16 Interchange at Indian Creek to Mullens. That accumulated technical knowledge, combined with a long-standing relationship between TRC and WVDOH, positioned the project team to advance this critical phase with confidence.
Solution
TRC’s selection to lead the third phase of the Coalfields Expressway Project was a natural extension of a 20-year collaborative relationship with the WVDOH.
Engaged to deliver both preliminary design and construction management services, we are applying our deep familiarity with the corridor to navigate the demands of all-new construction through previously undeveloped terrain. Throughout the project, our practitioners serve as WVDOH’s eyes and ears on the ground, providing the close, continuous oversight that allows WVDOH to maintain confidence in the project’s progress at every stage.
The mountainous landscape of southern West Virginia presents some of the project’s most significant engineering challenges. Where the corridor requires it, we help reshape mountains and fill in valleys to establish a viable roadway alignment. To underpin these efforts with sound technical data, our team conducts drilling operations across the project area and produces a geotechnical report to guide design and construction decision-making.
To further advance the project, we are deploying a drone fleet to conduct initial survey flights once areas are cleared and before each subsequent phase of work begins. Periodic drone flights every few weeks will provide ongoing visibility into construction progress across the corridor. This is the first time our team has brought this capability to bear for WVDOH, which is a reflection of the team’s commitment to applying the right technology to deliver results.
Results
While the Coalfields Expressway Project remains in its early stages of construction, meaningful progress is already underway. New sites are actively being prepared along the corridor by clearing trees and filing in areas to establish the foundation for construction work ahead, ensuring that each phase can proceed efficiently.
Upon completion, the Coalfields Expressway will deliver a safe, efficient and modern multi-lane expressway with partial control of access. This critical link is also expected to unlock economic development opportunities throughout the region, providing communities across southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia with access to new growth.