As of January 2024, Corridor H, also known as US Route 48, is a partially completed 157-mile four-lane expressway connecting Interstate 79 in Weston, West Virginia, to Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia. In West Virginia, most segments of Corridor H are complete. However, the segment from Karens to Parsons is under construction, while the Parsons to Davis and Wardensville to Virginia sections are still in the planning stages.
Traversing some of the most challenging mountainous terrain in the eastern United States, Corridor H crosses through two national forests, over two significant rivers, and is in proximity to about 150 native trout streams, thousands of acres of wetlands, high mountain bogs, and areas of karst terrain. Additionally, the route is near approximately 1,000 historic structures, five historic districts, two Civil War battlefields, and numerous abandoned coal mines.
Background
Corridor H, a key component of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), was established to link Interstate 79 in Weston, West Virginia, with Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia. Initially planned to follow US Route 33, its route was later adjusted northward to provide better access to tourist destinations, including ski resorts and state parks in Tucker County, along the Allegheny Mountains’ crest.
This corridor’s inception dates back to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) formed in 1965. This initiative, involving 13 Appalachian states and the federal government, aimed to stimulate development in Appalachia by integrating its remote areas with the national Interstate Highway System. The ARC’s vision extended beyond mere road construction; it was about forging pathways to a brighter future for the region.
In West Virginia, Corridor H was one of six ADHS routes chosen for construction. The others were Corridor D (US Route 50) connecting Parkersburg and Bridgeport, Corridor E (initially US Route 48, later Interstate 68) from Morgantown to the Maryland border, Corridor G (US Route 119) between Charleston and Williamson, Corridor L (US Route 19) from Beckley to Sutton, and Corridor Q (US Routes 52, 19, and 460) in the Bluefield and Princeton area.
Extending from Weston to Bowden
However, the development of Corridor H faced challenges, including a sparse local population, environmental concerns, and high construction costs
Regardless, the construction of Corridor H progressed gradually. By 1972, the US Route 33 section near Interstate 79 at Weston and Gaston was dualized. In 1975, a new four-lane stretch extended east to Horner and County Route 15 in Lewis County. A six-mile segment from Horner to Lorentz, partially using the existing US Route 33, opened in 1976, along with a section east of Elkins from Canfield to Bowden along the Shavers Fork. In 1979, a three-mile part near Lorentz was completed.
Significant progress occurred in the 1990s. In 1991, a three-mile segment from Lorentz to County Route 13 north of Buckhannon was opened. This was extended in 1994, with the opening of the Buckhannon to Elkins segment, bringing Corridor H’s total completed length to 40 miles by that time.
Controversy
The original plan for Corridor H was to extend US Route 33 from Weston to Seneca Rocks, then split into two potential routes into Virginia. One would cross North Fork Mountain and Foremost Mountain to New Market, Virginia, while the other paralleled WV Route 55 and VA Route 55 to Strasburg, Virginia. But the segments east of Bowden were met with intense opposition.
In 1981, the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) initiated plans for a new route for Corridor H, extending east from Bowden. 1 2 This route was to follow US Route 33 to Seneca Rocks, then along WV Route 55 and VA Route 55 towards Strasburg. A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published, but due to funding constraints, the project was suspended until 1990, with no Final Environmental Impact Statements or official decisions made during this period.
The project was revived in 1990, with a reassessment of the proposed Corridor H route east of Bowden. 1 2 A new EIS was prepared, re-examining all the corridors considered in the 1981 EIS. This led to the completion of a new draft EIS in October 1992. 2
In 1993, a revised EIS was released. 1 2 It proposed a new route for Corridor H, diverting north from Elkins to Moorefield and then into Virginia, following the WV Route 55 and VA Route 55 alignment. This proposed change met with opposition from some community members who argued that upgrading existing roads would be more beneficial. They raised concerns about the impact of Corridor H on two national forests, 41 streams, several historical sites, farms, and businesses, especially those in towns the highway would bypass.
By October 1994, an Alignment Selection draft Environmental Impact Statement (ASDEIS) was issued. 1 2 Subsequently, in April 1996, an EIS was released, which included a revised version of the ASDEIS. Finally, in September, a Record of Decision was issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), confirming the preferred alignment for Corridor H east of Bowden.
In November, Corridor H Alternatives (CHA) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against the entire Corridor H project’s Record of Decision. 26 27 They argued that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) had breached the National Environmental Policy Act by not considering an improved roadway alternative and failing to prepare a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Corrick’s Ford Battlefield alignment shift. CHA also contended that the FHWA prematurely issued a Record of Decision without fully assessing Corridor H’s impacts.
In October 1997, the U.S. District Court ruled in favor of the FHWA and the WVDOT, dismissing all of CHA’s claims. CHA appealed this decision. In September 1998, CHA initiated a second lawsuit, contesting the FHWA’s determination of “no constructive use” for two properties. Subsequently, in November, the court instructed WVDOT to cease work on Corridor H, except for a 3.5-mile section near Elkins already in progress.
The U.S. Court of Appeals sided with the FHWA and WVDOT in 1999 regarding the first lawsuit. However, in the second lawsuit, the court agreed with CHA, ruling that all historical property studies must be completed before construction could continue. In March, the court dismissed the second lawsuit without prejudice, allowing CHA to potentially file a new lawsuit once the historic resource review process was completed for the entire Corridor H project. In May, a court order was issued, barring the FHWA from advancing Corridor H until historic resource reviews were finished and an amended Record of Decision was issued.
In February 2000, the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) and Corridor H Alternatives (CHA) jointly announced a court-approved settlement regarding their ongoing litigation. 26 This agreement permitted the continuation of construction on the Elkins to Karens segment of Corridor H. It also allowed for the design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of other phases to proceed without additional environmental studies, once historic resource reviews were completed. The settlement included provisions for supplemental Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) to be prepared for alignment shifts, specifically to bypass the Corricks Ford Battlefield and the Shavers Fork Valley near Parsons, as well as the Blackwater Canyon area between Thomas and Hendricks. Additionally, it permitted the deferral of Phase 9 construction, stretching from Wardensville to Virginia, for up to 20 years.
The agreement also stipulated that CHA could not initiate further lawsuits demanding more studies on “improved roadway alternatives” for Corridor H. 26 Furthermore, the settlement facilitated the release of funds for recreational trails in Randolph, Tucker, and Grant counties, complementing the Corridor H project. It included a study on improvements to US Route 50 in the area, streetscaping in Wardensville, and an evaluation of potential safety-related modifications to the interchange at Karens.
In 2008, to expedite the construction of Corridor H, the state introduced the public-private partnership model, which was further expanded in 2013. 28 This approach helped mitigate cost increases due to inflation and facilitated the construction of the Karens to Parsons segment. Additionally, in 2012, Congress passed a surface transportation bill requiring each state within the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) to declare their plans for the remaining roads within a year. This legislation also designated Corridor H as a national priority and altered the funding structure for its construction. Previously funded through an 80% federal and 20% state contribution, the new legislation shifted to 100% federal funding.
Extending from Elkins to Virginia
Phase 1: Elkins to Karens
The 8.5-mile Phase 1 of Corridor H extends from US Route 33 (now WV Route 92 junction) west of Elkins to County Route 11 at Karens.
The initial construction contract, focused on connecting US Route 33 west of Elkins with US Route 219 at Karens, was awarded in October 1998. 1 A 5.5-mile stretch from County Route 11, north of Elkins, to County Route 7 at Karens, which included an interchange at US Route 219, was dedicated on August 12, 2002, at the cost of $87.6 million. 3 4 The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of then-Governor Bob Wise, Senator Robert C. Byrd, and state Transportation Secretary Fred VanKirk.
Later in the month, another three-mile segment opened from County Route 11 to US Route 33 west of Elkins which was finished at the cost of $24.1 million.
During the construction of Phases 1 and 2 of Corridor H, the disused Western Maryland Railroad line between Elkins and Parsons was repurposed into a walking and biking trail. The development of the Allegheny Highlands Trail commenced in February 2001. 25 Spanning 20 miles, this trail was opened in 2003 at a cost of $1.5 million.
Phase 2: Karens to Parsons
The 13.5-mile Phase 2 of Corridor H stretches from County Route 7 at Karens to a planned interchange with US Route 219, located two miles east of Parsons.
A public meeting was held in Parsons on September 26, 2000, to discuss various route alignments on the Karens and Parsons segment. Following this, a Settlement Agreement was reached, allowing construction to proceed on segments in Hardy and Randolph counties while ensuring the avoidance of the Corricks Ford Battlefield. A supplemental draft EIS was finalized in October 2001, 5 with an EIS completed in April 2002 with the Record of Decision being approved by the FHWA in June of the same year. The Department of Highways received approval for the Supplemental EIS in October 2002, and an amended Record of Decision was approved by the FHWA in May 2003.
In November 2015, a public-private partnership contract was awarded for Phase 2, 28 and construction on the segment began in mid-2016, 6 with bridge work commencing in 2018. 7 Following the release of federal funds through the BUILD Program, 28 in early 2021, a contract for paving was awarded, and the completion of this segment was anticipated by late 2023. 8
Phase 3: Parsons to Davis
The nine-mile Phase 3 of Corridor H between Parsons and Davis is planned to run from a future interchange with US Route 219 at Mackeyville, located two miles east of Parsons, to a proposed interchange with WV Route 93 near Davis. It also involves the building of a truck bypass for US Route 219 around the north and east side of Thomas.
On December 4, 2002, the supplemental draft EIS received approval following comprehensive environmental investigations. 29 This additional scrutiny was necessitated by the discovery of the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel, a federally endangered species. 9 10 29 The supplemental final EIS was subsequently approved in February 2007. 29 However, a reevaluation of the supplemental final EIS is currently in progress, focusing particularly on updated surveys of endangered species.
The final design of Phase 3 began in 2023 with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in 2024, 29 seven years ahead of schedule. 11 In September, the FHWA asked the WVDOT to consider a route north of Thomas that would avoid crossing the North Fork Blackwater River and the Blackwater Industrial Complex Archaeological and Historic District south of Thomas. 29 Such a re-route would eliminate the need for the truck bypass of Thomas.
Phase 4: Davis to Bismarck
The 16.5-mile Phase 4 of Corridor H between Davis and Bismarck extends from WV Route 93 near Davis to WV Route 42 Bismarck.
The FHWA issued a Record of Decision allowing for the construction of Corridor H between Davis and Bismarck to proceed. 12 A contract was awarded in December 2010 to the Trumbull Corporation for the construction of 6.2 miles of highway from the existing corridor at Bismarck to the WV Route 93 connector at Mt. Storm, which was completed in November 2014. 28 In August 2012, another contract was let to JF Allen for the construction of the remaining 9.9 miles of highway from east of WV Route 32 to the WV Route 93 connector at Mt. Storm, which was completed and opened in November 2015.
Phase 5: Bismark to Forman
The 14-mile Phase 5 of Corridor H stretches from WV Route 42 at Bismarck to County Route 5 at Forman.
The FHWA issued a Record of Decision in May 2001. 13 The original plan was to start acquiring right-of-way in June 2003, award construction contracts in August 2004, and commence construction in September. However, during this period, environmental and historical preservationists highlighted the Civil War history and the natural significance of Greenland Gap. Their efforts led the West Virginia Department of Highways to shift the proposed route about a quarter-mile west of Greenland Gap, thereby saving several houses from demolition. Additionally, plans for a one-mile access road between Greenland Gap and WV Route 93 were scrapped, and an interchange initially planned between these locations was relocated to a site two miles north of Scherr on WV Route 93.
Construction eventually began in the spring of 2007. The portion from County Route 3 and County Route 5 at Forman opened in October 2010, 13 28 and the portion from WV Route 93 near Scherr to County Route 3 opened in October 2012. 14 The final part of Phase 5 opened from WV Route 93 near Scherr to WV Route 42 at Bismarck opened in November 2013. 15
Phase 6: Forman to Moorefield
The 14-mile Phase 6 of Corridor H extends from County Route 5 at Forman to the WV Route 55 interchange east of Moorefield.
The initial section of Phase 6 of Corridor H to be finished was a three-mile stretch extending from the interchange of US Route 220 and WV Route 55 to WV Route 55, east of Moorefield. 16 This segment opened in November 2005. In September 2006, construction commenced on a $30.1 million bridge crossing the South Branch Potomac River, west of Moorefield. 17 The project involved constructing a single eight-span, 2,135-foot steel girder bridge over the river and a seven-span structure over the nearby floodplain. This bridge was completed in August 2009.
All of Phase 6 between Forman and Moorefield was completed in October 2010. 16
Phase 7: Moorefield to Baker
The 14-mile Phase 7 of Corridor H connects the WV Route 55 interchange east of Moorefield to WV Route 55 in Baker.
Construction on Phase 7 began in May 2000. 18 Central to Phase 7 was the Clifford Hollow Bridge, with a $17.8 million construction contract let in November. 19 A three-mile stretch of Corridor H opened from County Route 1 to County Route 23/9 in August 2002, followed by a five-mile section from County Route 23/9 to WV Route 55 in Baker in November. With the completion of the Clifford Hollow Bridge in October 2003, the entire 14-mile segment of Corridor H through Hardy County, between Moorefield and Baker, was opened to traffic.
Phase 8: Baker to Wardensville
The 6.8-mile Phase 8 of Corridor H extends from WV Route 55 in Baker to County Route 23/12 west of Wardensville. 20
The first construction contract on Phase 8 was awarded in October 2001 for a segment from Hanging Rock to County Route 23/8 east of the Lost River bridge near McCauley, for $12.9 million. 21 A $18.5 million construction contract was awarded in December for 2.7 miles of highway from County Route 23/8 to the east approach of the Lost River bridge, followed by a contract for 1.45 miles of highway from the WV Route 55 interchange in Baker to the west approach of the Lost River bridge. 22
A $15.8 million contract was let in March 2002 to build a segment from the Lost River Sinks to County Route 23/12 at Wardensville. This project included landscaping around the historic Hott House as a mitigation measure and the creation of a connection to WV Route 55. This work was completed in the fall of 2003.
The entire Baker to Wardensville segment was officially opened in October 2006, marked by the completion of the Lost River Bridge at McCauley. 23
Phase 9: Wardensville to Virginia
The 6.8-mile Phase 9 of Corridor H connects County Route 23/12 west of Wardensville to the Virginia state line. The FHWA approved an amended Record of Decision in May 2003. 24 Between 2018 and 2023, three public workshops were held on project updates. 30 Right-of-way acquisitions began in mid-2023 with construction proposed for 2024.
Virginia
In April 2003, new US Route 48 signs were installed along VA Route 55 in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation has no active plans for the construction of a four-lane highway along the corridor for the foreseeable future.
Sources
- “Corridor H Alternatives.” Corridor H Alternatives Inc., 1999.
- “Project Timeline.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 20 Mar. 2003.
- “Gov. Wise Announces Opening of Corridor H Segments.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 5 Aug. 2002.
- “The Route – Elkins to Kerens.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “The Route – Kerens to Parsons.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “The Route – Kerens to Parsons – April June 2015 Status.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “West Virginia Corridor H.” American Bridge Company.
- “Paving set to start this spring on latest section of Corridor H.” WBOY 12, 24 Feb. 2021.
- “The Route – Parsons to Davis.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “WVDOH Hosts Public Meeting For Parsons To Davis Segment Of Corridor H.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 6 Feb. 2023.
- “The Route – Parsons to Davis – January – March 2016 Status.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “The Route – Davis to Bismarck – October – December 2013.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “The Route – Bismarck to Forman – October – December 2013.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “Grant County section of Corridor H opens this week.” The State Journal, 25 Oct. 2012.
- “Corridor H project completed in Grant County.” The State Journal, 22 Nov. 2013.
- “The Route – Forman to Moorefield.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “DOH Awards $30 Million for South Branch Bridge.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 26 Oct. 2006.
- “Governor Underwood and Senator Byrd Break Ground on Corridor H Project.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 31 May 2000.
- “DOH Awards Contract for Corridor H.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 31 May 2000.
- “Baker to Wardensville Section of Corridor H Moving Forward.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 4 Dec. 2000.
- “WVDOH Awards Construction Contract for Corridor H.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 1 Oct. 2001.
- “Recent Contract Awards.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 5 Dec. 2001.
- “Corridor H Route – Baker to Wardensville.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “The Route – Wardensville to Virginia.” West Virginia Department of Transportation.
- “WVDOH Lets Two Projects in Newest ‘Rails to Trails’ Effort.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 15 Feb. 2001.
- “Settlement Achieved in Corridor H Lawsuit.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 7 Feb. 2000.
- “Gov. Underwood Announces Signing of Corridor H Settlement.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 7 Feb. 2000.
- “History.” Corridor H Authority.
- “WVDOH addresses concerns related to Corridor H alternate route.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 8 Sept. 2023.
- “Timeline & Commenting.” West Virginia Department of Transportation, 21 Sept. 2023.
Lots of facts, figures and pictures. So are you saying you want to stop construction or finish it?
I’m in favor of sensitive highway construction that is generally favored by the areas it impacts. Corridor H has generally been a supported highway project by not only politicians, but by the general public. The same concerns were also made of many other ADHS corridor routes but they have generally have shortened travel times, improved safety, and improved economic fortunes in the areas they have served.
Thank you for the hard work and research. For all of us who oppose this misbegotten project, the last sentence tells it all.
Many interstates and corridors have been built with gaps of completion for decades. About 14 miles of two-lane US 48 isn’t going to matter much since it introduces a vastly upgraded route for that highway. VDOT hasn’t cancelled Corridor H in Virginia (unlike what some activists might have stated) but haven’t prioritized it because of funding.
Do they plan on finishing the road to va 81 bypassing Wardensville quarter H stops at Wardensville everyone’s wondering are they going to finish it into Virginia
Construction could begin on Phase 9 around Wardensville to the Virginia border in late 2024.
One of the factors that may have been considered in deciding not to continue to follow US Route 33 east of Elkins ,WV is that the State started construction near Bowden that killed some of the springs supplying the State owned trout hatchery.
Where is Karens? I believe you are referring to KERNS between Montrose and Elkins.
I moved to Charlottesville, Virginia after I graduated from AB College in 1971 and have waited 53 yrs. for this road to be finished for an easier way home than by Rt. 250 or Rt. 33 or Route 59.
Auto-correct had reworked all of my Kerens references to Karens. I will amend the article today.
This is a splendid illustrated narration of the construction of what has become my favored route across the West Virginia highlands (certainly better than I-64/I-77, and marginally better than I-68). Corridor H is an incredible feat of engineering across some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern United States (although one must avert one’s gaze from the hundreds of wind turbines lining both sides of the ridge…in my opinion much more of an eyesore than the beautifully designed highway). I’m disappointed that phase 3 (Parsons to Davis) and Phase 9 (Wardensville to the VA state line) are highly unlikely to be completed in my lifetime, but even so, Thomas and Wardensville are very interesting towns to drive through. Although Virginia always surprises me, I doubt the Virginia portion will ever be built.
Your are probably right about Virginia not building their section, but I do know one thing that Virginia is going to have to do. They are going to have to start fixing Route 55 on there side soon. The last time I drive it. You can see the sides of the road are crumbling from the heavy tractor trailer traffic and they are going to have to invest in a climbing lane. It is hell getting behind a semi going towards West Virginia!!!!
Where is our Interstate hwy. system headed , EZ pass is tagging on to the free interstate lanes with toll lanes you accidently venture over on and all of a sudden $ (????) WTF !
We talk about inefficient government and this project is the definition. Started in the 70’s and in 2024 it’s still not done. How much money would have been saved had this project been completed by 1990 vice spending to construct at today’s prices. Something MUST be done about the environmental snag.