WV: WV 121 (Coalfields Expressway) Extension

[cl94]

It appears that the next segment of WV 121, known by the media as the Coalfields Expressway, will be opening by the end of 2020. This will more than double the length of the road and extend it down to Mullens. Path is already showing on OSM and is visible on satellite. I may be down in this area in October and would be able to report on the status, but it looks like we'll be getting a new segment of expressway in WV within the next few months.

News report here: https://www.wvnstv.com/top-stories/progress-being-made-on-coalfields-expressway/

[rickmastfan67]

Thanks for the heads up.  I'll try to keep an eye out for an opening date.

[Markkos1992]

Apparently this opened today.  (Article not on AARoads Forum: https://www.register-herald.com/news/justice-to-open-coalfields-expressway-into-mullens/article_c65d5ab5-8e1d-5867-a020-6b3690acd738.html)

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=14278.msg2537979#msg2537979

[rickmastfan67]

Might not be open just yet, per this line in the article:

When opened to traffic, the new section will extend the useable length of the Coalfields Expressway to 18 miles – from Beckley to Mullens.

[Markkos1992]

This article says that it was opened.

[rickmastfan67]

Alright.  That leaves to to figure out if does the following:

A) Ends @ the 'connector' road down to WV-54
B) Follows the 'connector' road down to WV-54 (for now)

[cl94]

Alright.  That leaves to to figure out if does the following:

A) Ends @ the 'connector' road down to WV-54
B) Follows the 'connector' road down to WV-54 (for now)

I would guess that it ends at the connector. I'm still hoping to get down to that area within the next month or two, but no promises.

[Duke87]

I'd be comfortable going ahead and ending it at the connector, given we know this is a temporary end and it will be extended from that point.

[yakra]

County maps, WVDOT's Routes MapServer, and even the Dominant_Routes shapefiles all show the proposed route following the connector and then shooting straight out the other side of WV54 from where it touches down.
From looking at Google satellite, it looks like the plans that went to construction were a bit different.

https://gis.transportation.wv.gov/ftp/GeneralHighwayMap/genhwy.pdf
Slab Fork Rd looks to not be part of 121. If we follow this precedent, count me as also in the "end it at the connector" camp.

[Markkos1992]

FWIW, PA 43 is shown in the HB as ending at the connector to PA 51.

[rickmastfan67]

Well, I know back in the day before they fully posted US-48 (Corridor H version) as a continuous route, they also did have it 'ending' at any connector road.

So, I'm guessing that will be the best plan of action with WV-121 unless pictures come out and prove otherwise.

[rickmastfan67]

SP Cook has already been on the new highway alignment.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=14278.msg2538337#msg2538337

- The Mullens connector, which has no signed number, is about a mile and a third.  11% grade and very twisty.  And it dumps you out on WV 54 about 2 miles from actual Mullens.

So, pretty much confirms it ends @ the connector road.  Will work on the update to get it posted tonight.

EDIT: And now submitted.