King Coal Highway Bridge in Bluefield 'complete'

According to the King Coal Highway Executive Director, a small but important piece of the highway in Bluefield is now complete.

"They’ve just got the paving to do now (below the bridge) on Route 19. But it is finished," said Mike Mitchem.

The bridge will one day become part of Interstate 73. It is unclear if there will be access to US 19 from the bridge as prior articles make it seem like that there will not be a connection to US 19 from the King Coal. Below, I have place a scan of the 2009 WVDOH map Bluefield inset showing the bridge as under construction.

The next piece of the puzzle is to extend the King Coal to WV 123 and the Mercer County Airport. Currently, King Coal supporter, Congressman Nick Rahall (D), has requested $60 million be included in the 2010 transportation bill to help extend the highway to WV 123.

I will try and check out the bridge (if opened) when I travel to/from Pennsylvania this coming December.

Story: Executive Director: King Coal Highway bridge 'is finished' ---Bluefield Daily Telegraph

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